WALTER (MOOSE) ROLAND LONGCLAWS

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WALTER (MOOSE) ROLAND LONGCLAWS It is with great sadness that Harriet McIvor announces the passing of her son Walter Moose Longclaws on July 15, 2007 at the age of 48 years. Walter Longclaws was predeceased by his father Walter Longclaws; maternal grandparents Moise and Flora McIvor; and paternal grandparents Johnny and Jessie Longclaws. Walter had fond memories of his beloved father and grandparents. Walter was born in Portage La Prairie and raised in Sandy Bay. He later moved to Portage and then to Winnipeg. Many of Walter's challenges related back to his difficult experience during his birth. Walter was optimistic, in spite of his health issues. When his chronic ailments would set him back, he would surprise us all by his determination. He would often say Mom, I am going to walk and he did. Family and friends were always amazed by his incredible will and zest for life. Walter had an outgoing personality, gaining many friends along the way. He liked nothing better than a good joke and laugh as well. Because of his engaging personality, his family were always amazed when, on an outing, someone they did not know would come up and shake Walter's hand and be happy to see him. He had a persona that hued a good, generous and kind-hearted man with a great sense of humour. He loved playing pool with his friends on a Saturday night. He would not allow his chronic challenges deter him from living life to the fullest and this was evident when his health issues resurfaced time and again. He would say I am going to have a good time! and he did. He enjoyed going to Pow-Wow gatherings, listening to music and watching the dancing. If his poor legs would have allowed it he would have been a great dancer. Never one to complain, he was content even though he had to watch from the sidelines, he always remained excited about it all. Walter was proud of his Anishnabe and Sioux heritage. He would share the spiritual values with anyone that would listen. Walter explained where he got his name Moose from, saying My grandfather named me Moose because of what it symbolized: strength and to be strong, and do you know what he said, Moose are not scared of anything . The other nickname given to Walter was Rocky , this also symbolized strength. He leaves to mourn his cherished mother Harriet McIvor (who was steadfast in caring for him throughout his struggles with his health); siblings, Lydia, Sally, Mark and Barbie, and numerous nephews and nieces and a host of extended family and friends. Walter will be sadly missed by his mother, family and friends that are left with wonderful memories of a gentle man - we will hold him close to our hearts. Public visitation: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until July 19 when Walter's family invites family and friends to a feast and spiritual prayers held at Mosaic Funeral Chapel at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Walter's life. Interment to follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Health Sciences Centre and express special gratitude for all their care and patience with Walter's care. Mosaic Funeral, Cremation and Cemetery Services, 1839 Inkster Blvd., (204)275-5555. Go to online condolences or to light a candle visit us at: www.mosaicfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2007