GERALD FRANKLYN SWAMPY

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GERALD FRANKLYN SWAMPY Suddenly on Saturday, February 24, 2007 in the early hours, Gerald Franklyn Swampy decided he wanted to join our creator and his dad Gabe Sr. He was born on July 22, 1965 in Pine Falls. Gerald was very well known by his nickname Satch. He was 41 years old. He was predeceased by his Dad, Gabe Sr., Grampa Peter Guimond, Granny Verna Guimond, Grampa John Skeet Sr., step-father-in-law Clayton McPherson Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 19 years Ruby; their children, Adrian, Ashley, Desiree and Heather (Terrence); three grandchildren, Sierra, Averell and Tori-Jane. His mom Bertha; sister Tricia; brothers, Lil Gabe Jr., Patrick, Dwayne (Jackie), Brennan (Angela), Jason (Carmen), Lloyd (Denise). His many nieces and nephews and godchildren. His Kookoo Dorothy, Unka Bob, Uncle Mark, his father-in-law Larry Boubard and mother-in-law Lorna, his sisters and brothers-in-law, his many Pow Wow and ceremony friends he called bro's. Also to cherish his memory his special bro, Calvin Desjarlais (Ollie and kids) and his adopted mom Audrey from Sandy Bay. Satch was a very loving, honest, caring, exceptional man. He had an outgoing personality with an infectious happy smile. He was always teasing and joking around with all who knew him. He was never shy and always offered his help in anyway he can. He was a person who believed and followed the traditional culture. He was a hard working man who provided well for his family. If he got employment in the summer he would work during the hot, humid days and if he got employment in the winter, he would work in the cold, cold weather. Summer weekends were always booked for us to follow the powwows, as he was a pow wow dancer who loved camping out. Everyday he was speaking from his heart, telling people what was on his mind. Satch would take his kids to the local hockey games and recently just started attending his son's basketball games. He loved watching our son play, he would get right into the game yelling at the referees. He loved his hunting, and summer fishing, especially his ice-fishing. He liked going to bingo, and loved going to South Beach Casino. He was a carpenter who enjoyed his work, always making sure the job was done right. He worked for Bird Construction, Three-Way Builders and the band. His mentors were his Dad and Don Sawchyn. He built homes in Sagkeeng, the eight-plex, the Katrina Rae Daycare Centre, and his proudest accomplishment The Sagkeeng Junior High School. He also built homes in Winnipeg and surrounding area and also construction of the South Beach Casino. He was so proud of his work that when we drive by it he would say, I built that, me Satch . He will be so sadly missed, he made a difference in our lives. Everyone who knew him should be thankful because he truly was one of a kind. His heart was big enough for all he knew. His Pallbearers are Pat Mousseau, Darren Roulette, Dylan Courchene, Clifford Coyne, Calvin Desjarlais, Jason Guimond, Richie Goosehead, Collin Mousseau, Robert Mulholland Sr. Honorary Pallbearer Adrian Swampy (son). A wake will begin on Tuesday (today) in the afternoon at his residence, house #646 North Shore in the Sagkeeng First Nations with the funeral service to follow Friday, March 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church with interment in the Parish Cemetery. Rock Fontaine Funeral Director in care of arrangements 866-499-2601 or (204) 223-2576 www.rockfontaine.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2007