OLIVE MARY KIRKNESS (ROBERTSON)

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OLIVE MARY KIRKNESS (nee ROBERTSON) Suddenly, on August 29, 2008 our beloved Olive passed into the spirit world. Born September 3, 1954 in Norway House, Blue Turtle Woman was predeceased by her parents James and Sarah, siblings Frederick, Cameron and Effie Muriel, nephew Anthony Olson and parents-in-law Leonard and Mary Kirkness. Olive will remain in the hearts of her husband Lawson (Fisher River), daughters Jeannette Sarah (Alfred Amos) and Colleen Joy (Dennis Garson Jr.), grandchildren Keaton Richard James and Sarabelle Jamie; step-daughter Tanya (John Bird) Raina, Chloe; Uncle Henry George Captain of Norway House; cousins Olive and Winnie of Nanaimo, BC; sisters Effie (Gordon Todd) Debbie, Richard, Crystal; Marion (John Wilson) Sean, Aidan and Sarah; Eleanor (Gordon Olson) Brenda, Pauline, Karen, Linda, Terry, Rhonda; Flora (Oliver Colon) Kim, Angie, Clayton; brothers Robert (Karen) Jamie, Tammy; and Donald (Bev) Cameron, Michael, David. Over 30 years ago, Olive became a member of the Kirkness family of Fisher River and will be forever loved by David (Terri) Cameron, Naomi, Marie; Arlene (Stewart) Cheryl, Stacey, Ryan; Rita; Liz (Mel) Crystal, Tristan; Lenny; Maria (Chas) Skyler, Lacy-Sue; Edna (Waldie) Robyn, Kirk, Norman; Joy (Dennis) Hillary; and Mary (George) Travis, Tyrell. The youngest member of her family, Olive (Baby Girl) was loved and doted on by her siblings. She moved with her mother to Peguis in 1969 then to Winnipeg where she graduated from Churchill High School and later, secretarial school. She and Lawson also lived in Vancouver where Jenny was born. After the birth of second daughter Colleen in Winnipeg, sadly the family lost a third infant. Olive worked at new Careers in Brandon, MB for many years before moving to Fisher River where she was an Executive Assistant for Fisher River Education and working toward certification as a Computer Technician. Her coworkers remember a remarkable woman dedicated and committed to her word for the community. Recently, Olive became a member of the Pow Wow Committee. She was looking forward to that for she truly enjoyed the annual Pow Wow. Every year, she opened heer home to the Otter River Cree and High Rock drums of Cross Lake. Olive adored being with family, spending time with grandchildren Keaton and Sarabelle. They gave her great joy. A wonderful cook, she fed family and friends with a smile and love for all. The many people who knew Olive will miss her ready smile, generosity, and willingness to help and comfort. As her mother did, Olive made many feel welcome in her life. Olive loved to read, especially Dean Koontz and the rag mags. Her and Lawson's greatest caper was their secret wedding in 1994, However, that was no secret because everyone suspected! The couple went on a daily care ride then would relax on their patio and yell to their neighbours to come by. Every summer, Olive and Lawson went camping with an open invitation to family and friends to join them. A traditional Cree ceremony will be held at their home on Tuesday, September 2, from noon onward with funeral service on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 and interment at Fisher River Cemetery. Pallbearers are Cameron Kirkness, Alfred Amos, Dennis Garson Jr., JR Olson, Joseph Spence and Sean Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Sharon Mason, Pauline Olson, Dorothy Hudson, Agnes Cochrane, Arlene Traverse, Nora Murdock, Rita Kirkness, Freda Cochrane, Maria Amos and Liz Kirkness. Olive had planned a barbeque for her 54th birthday on September 3, the family will honor that. After the burial the family invites all to her home for a feast and to celebrate her life. FISHER FUNERAL HOME In care of arrangements. (204) 372-6271 or 372-6803

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2008