MERVIN HUNTINGHAWK

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MERVIN HUNTINGHAWK August 9, 1932 - March 2, 2008 It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of a dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and Elder. As is the Tradition of our People, Mervin received and was recognized by the Creator by his Indian name Good Voice Thunderbird (Gaa-Minwewidang). Written from the words of his dear wife Mary, his children Ethel (Randy), Bonnie (Roddy), Karen (Stan), Linda (Wilfred), Martha (Claude), Connie, Carol and Watson (Delonna) - dad was the world to us all. The life, love and respect he shared with his children is his legacy. Born to Peter and Martha Huntinghawk on the Rolling River Reserve, dad - like many children of his time - was sent to Birtle Residential School. Perhaps, we can call it luck that dad didn't stay in school long, as he was one of the fortunate few who grew to remember and flourish from the love of his mother and father and sisters and brothers. Although he wasn't an educated man, his skills, specialties and knowledge was widely known to many people. Dad loved to read and collect historical documents pertaining to the Treaties and was a writer of his own personal journals. Dear dad was a mechanic, carpenter, plumber, farm labourer, school bus driver, a musician and worked at RMNP with the Warden Services. In addition, he served his community as a Band Councilor for a total of 28 years. The highlight of his political life was the signing of Rolling River First Nation's Treaty Land Entitlement in 1997, which bears honor to the knowledge, prayers and dedication he shared so that the children of our community and generations to come might find peace and prosperity on the land our Creator provided for The People. This was always a part of his prayers. Music was a huge part of dad's life. The love of music that was shared by his brother Randy Huntinghawk, sisters Margaret Mckay, Edith Cote, Clara Shannacappo and Marina Mckay. And for his children, the song book that holds the songs he loved to sing will always bring back memories of fun times and how we all wanted to sing and play like dad. Dad shared many of his skills with his children and grandchildren. He could be heard saying you girls should learn to change oil on your vehicles and save yourselves some money! Karen, Linda, Martha and Connie were his best students when it came to mechanics. Ethel was his Red Sky and first born, Carol was his baby, his dolly , Bonnie was his secretary who shortened those long sentences he loved to write, and Watson his dearest sonny boy. Through this difficult time with dad's illness, our pillar of strength has been Linda. Dad called her his boss. There were times when we had doubt and could not find immediate answers. Her strength, her dedication to his care and her steadfast beliefs in God who is our Creator helped carry us through. Mom and dad celebrated their 52nd Wedding Anniversary in October of last fall, a milestone of love and devotion. As children, we remember that never did dad ever leave the house without kissing our mom. No matter when times were bad, or anger was in the air, a goodbye kiss was always shared. His dying words of my little love spoke volumes of what she meant to him. Good Voice Thunderbird was a Traditional man. The culture, traditions and teachings were strong in his heart and passed down to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Creator blessed him with a good life, not without trials and tribulations, but his beliefs made him strong and love for his fellow man and seeing the good side to everything carried him well through his life. He made many friends in his lifetime. To cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his eight children, 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Those that have departed and are there to meet him on his journey home, include: his parents Peter and Martha Huntinghawk, brothers Watson, Lindsay, sister Margaret Mckay and special brother-in-law Hugh Mckay, his two children who died in infancy, his dear grandchildren Hope and Zachary and son-in-law Joseph. In our quest to follow his wishes, to keep it simple and in my home , we know that there are many who cared and respected our dad, and that the family tree grows far and wide. To honour him, and to promote the love and respect he bestowed upon us, the family will hold a Traditional Wake on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Southquill Hall on Rolling River First Nation. Traditional Feast will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 starting at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service and burial to follow. As was his wish - no flowers please. The Family's wish - to ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., 675 McDermot Ave. RM 0N1160, Winnipeg, MB. R3E 0V9. In closing, the Family wants to say a special heartfelt Thank You to our special Angels here on earth: Joanne, Debbie and Dr. Poettcker at the Neepawa Cancer Care Unit, the nurses and helpers at the Neepawa Hospital and Palliative Care who cared for our dad (and mom) in our times of need. We say Thank you also to the nurses and helpers at the Erickson Health Centre and Palliative Care for giving us our time with dad in your lovely Palliative Care Unit and for the lovely knitted wrap that mom will cherish as a remembrance of one of dad's comfort pieces. A very special Thank You to Eva WhiteBird, Tina Kozak and Pauline Vespermann, and for spiritual comfort, we also say Meegwetch to Deacon Plante and Mrs. Janine Plante and Roddy Mckay. MINNEDOSA FUNERAL SERVICE in care of arrangements. 204-867-3868.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2008