Duane Hicks
Couchiching First Nations chief Chuck McPherson passed away suddenly at home yesterday.
Co-worker and long-time friend of Chief McPherson, Christine Jourdain, said the news was a shock to the community.
“Our community has a huge loss here and we just don’t know what to do,” she said tearfully.
“He stepped out the door and then he was gone,” added Jourdain, referring to the suddenness of Chief McPherson’s passing.
“I loved him like a dad; worked with him for 13 years straight,” she remarked.
“There’s no man bigger that I ever looked up to and wanted as a mentor.”
Chief McPherson was first elected chief in 1986, serving a two-year term.
He then was re-elected in 1998 and has been chief ever since.
During Chief McPherson’s time in office, Couchiching saw several major projects completed, including a golf course, pow-wow grounds, and an arena.
