GEORGE MERCREDI

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GEORGE MERCREDI January 20, 1920 - January 29, 2007 Peacefully on January 29, 2007 at his home in Grand Rapids, with his wife Louise and family by his bedside, George left this world for a place prepared by our Creator. George was born at Limestone Bay where his family was winter fishing during the days when aboriginal people migrated from place to place in their traditional lands. Out of the Mercredi family of eight brothers and sisters, he is survived by only his sister Agnes McKay who still resides in Grand Rapids. George leaves to mourn in his passing and to cherish his loving memories, his wife of 63 years, Louise and their children, Charlotte (Andrew), Ovide (Shelley), Gloria (Rick), Norbert (Adeline), Leona (Albert), Sylvia, Albert (Evelyn), Margaret (Barry), Valerie (Nick), Reggie (Eugennie). George was predeceased by his son Leslie George; parents, Norbert and Charlotte Mercredi; in-laws Elizabeth and Jacob Turner; his sisters, Rosalie, Elise and Virginia; his brothers, Charlie, Felix, Isadore, and Alex; sister-in-law Lena; brother-in-law John Turner; son-in-law Larry Gard and grandchildren, Lloyd and Floyd Anderson. George worked hard and succeeded in making a good life for his family. He worked as a trapper, fisherman, carpenter, and labourer. He worked 17 years for the Campbell Store driving a tractor train hauling freight from between Gypsumville, Mafeking and Grand Rapids before he began working for Manitoba Hydro in 1959 as night security for a tented construction site until his retirement as a trades-helper in 1985 at the Grand Rapids Hydro Generating Station. George loved all children. He was gentle, kind and friendly to everyone including strangers. He had many friends from all walks of life. He leaves behind to remember him with fondness, 34 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. The wake services will be held Thursday, February 1, 2007 and Friday 2, 2007 in the evening. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church. Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. prior to service. Interment will follow at St. Alexander Cemetery. Thank you to the Grand Rapids Nursing Staff, Dr. Gall and Sandra Cook for all the care and consideration during Dad's illness. As expression of sympathy family and friends who wish to make contributions may make donations to Manitoba CancerCare. Elder Waits Evergreens crown the landscape A kind of shelter from the winds of time Where an aging Cree elder waits For the final altering of time. Evergreens surround a final domain A kind of final refuge, a retreat of sorts From strong winds that bring the wintering time To all living beings that have faced the winds. Evergreens bring memories of a full life In a familiar place where old people feel safe Sheltered from the winds of time Not an escape, not an interlude...but A break from the winds of wintering time. Evergreens grace a waiting place Like relatives of the winds of time Sheltering the impermanence of life Where an aging Cree elder waits For the final altering of time. (Ovide Mercredi - April 22, 2005) Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, Manitoba, in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2007