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PERCY TUESDAY Ogimaawigaabaw Bizhiw Nindootem April 27, 1942 to May 26, 2014 On Monday, May 26, 2014 The Reverend exited this earthly stage to take his show to the Spirit World. Percy was a proud and gifted Ojibway man, born in Big Grassy River Ojibway Nation, ON, to Robert and Martha Tuesday (nee Bluebird). Percy was the second eldest child of 10 children; he is survived and deeply missed by Delores, Martin, Rose, Lorna, and Robert. Percy was a devoted father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and cherished friend, all were all roles that Percy celebrated and embraced with enthusiasm, commitment and joy. Some of his proudest moments were sharing the stage with his son Jason. His children Tracy, Stephanie, Jason, Otis and Robin, were blessed by Percy's devotion to them, and he enjoyed his friendship with their mother Jane; together they adopted and fostered many other children. Later in his life Percy was able to be re-united with his daughter Angeline, an occasion that brought him much joy. He will be deeply missed by them. As a child Percy endured 12 cruel years in six residential schools. While he always carried these experiences, he dedicated his life to making them into something positive. He became an addictions counsellor in an era with few supports for urban Aboriginal persons and was proud to achieve 27 years of sobriety, and to have quit smoking 18 years ago. Percy was the change he wished to see. Percy was a loving partner to Linda, they met in 1996 at the Folklorama First Nations Pavilion and shared 18 years of intense joy with his music and their community volunteer work, and their respective families. He is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Linda and her children and grandsons. Percy contributed his time to many organizations throughout the past 40 years, but he was especially proud of founding the Chief Big Bear Gathering in 1998, with Linda, which was held for 10 years at the Stony Mountain and Rockwood Institutions in honour of peace and healing persons in custody. Music, mainly classic country and blues, flowed from Percy's soul through his vocals and guitar. The gentle and soft-spoken man off-stage unleashed The Reverend under a spotlight, exploding onto Winnipeg's music scene at the Indian & Métis Friendship Centre in the late 60s. He was lead vocalist for "The Feathermen Band," which at the time was one of very few all-Indigenous touring musical groups in Canada. He was once scheduled to play with Johnny Cash at Stony Mountain Institution, but the show was cancelled at the last minute due to an illness in Johnny Cash's family. Percy was extremely proud to be inducted into the Aboriginal Country Music Hall of Fame in September, 2013. Percy will always be remembered for his music, dry wit, sense of humour, wisdom, traditional teachings, and storytelling, which will continue through those who loved him. Whatever stage he was on, Percy always thanked the band. He would likewise want to extend heartfelt appreciation to his devoted fans throughout the years, to all of his special medical care givers, and also to Neil Bardal and Northridge Funeral Homes for their part in carrying him home to Big Grassy. Thank you to all of the most special friends who helped Linda with Percy's Celebration of Life, Love and Friendship party on April 17, 2014 and to everyone who shared the evening with them at the IMFC, where The Reverend put on his guitar and sang for a crowd one more time. Kitchi Meegwetch to Percy's dear friend and most respected Elder Gilbert Smith, who led the traditional ceremonies, and to his Big Grassy family and community members who welcomed Percy home and looked after all the arrangements for the ceremonies on May 30 and May 31, 2014. Meegwetch Percy, wish we could have one more encore!
Publish Date: Jun 7, 2014
PERCY TUESDAY (THE REVEREND) Ogimaawigaabaw Bizhiw Nindootem "The Reverend" Percy Tuesday, loving partner, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, respected Elder and Traditional Teacher, revered musician, and cherished friend began his journey to the Spirit World on Monday, May 26, 2014. Traditional Wake And Ceremonies at Big Grassy River Ojibway Nation, Ontario Friday, May 30, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Longer obituary to follow. NORTHRIDGE FUNERAL HOME 807-482-3788
Publish Date: May 28, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2014
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Though it was only one of the many places he touched with his style and his gift, I just want to say that everything the Times Change(d) has tried to share with this world - the music, the community, the wit and joy of celebration, the respect for the individual soul and talent - Percy embodied it all. I cannnot imagine the club without his presence. He will always be in our hearts and on that stage. - John Scoles, Janitor/President, Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club - Posted by: John Scoles (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2014
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I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts here expressing their love for this most special man and to all the dear friends and fans who joined us at the IMFC party and all the other memorial gatherings which have spontaneously happened and all the other postings people have taken time to write. Percy would be honored and deeply moved...Kitchi Meegwetch! - Posted by: Linda Wolch (partner) on: Jun 13, 2014
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My condolences to Percy's loved ones! I met Percy as a young girl when he was good friends with my Mom & Dad; George & Hazel Graham. My Dad is a drummer and often played at the old North End bars; sometimes with Percy. We heard all the old stories of their adventures at The Manor Hotel, The Savoy, and all those other places in their old stomping grounds. Percy and Billy Joe Green were around a lot and I always enjoyed seeing them and singing with them. There was always a lot of laughter and even more than that, there was music. In my head right now I can still hear Percy singing Tennessee Whisky; that was my absolute favourite. Percy was as smooth as Tennessee Whisky, as sweet as strawberry wine, and as warm as a glass of brandy. My Mom and I had the very good fortune of seeing Percy again at the Ebb and Flow Pow Wow in 2012, and he had the same great sense of humour that I remembered. I know that today, the music in Heaven is even more beautiful with Percy there. Rest in peace, our old friend. On behalf of The Graham family, we love you, we will miss you, and our lives are better for having shared all those great moments with you. Meegwetch, and may God our Creator hold you in his arms until we meet again. - Posted by: Dana Kelly (Friend) on: Jun 12, 2014
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I met Percy a few times when he was on the Board of Directors for a social work agency I worked for. His sense of humor, wisdom, and laugh will always stand out in my memory. Safe and happy journeys, Percy. Creator bless you. - Posted by: Jillian Wheeler (Former co worker) on: Jun 11, 2014
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My Uncle Percy was always around - at the most unexpected times...to tell me a story in stone faced seriousness...and wait until I realized it was a joke. Then he'd laugh...everywhere my little family went, he would call me and say ' hello, it's your most famous uncle' to which I'd reply 'who? Martin?' He always got a kick out of that one....anyways. Your spirit lives on in all of us..and boozhoo for the little quartz grandfathers You left me to find on my daily walk :) <3 - Posted by: Rain Tuesday-Gunderson (Niece ) on: Jun 11, 2014
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"Stagger Lee" has been called home by the Creator but his presence will be felt throughout the coming years through the musical legacy he leaves behind. The Creators Choir has gained another voice. His spirit will live on forever through his family, friends and efforts he initiated to make that difference, even for just one person. Percy Tuesday only looked down on people when he was reaching down to help them up! The world certainly needs more good people of his calibre! - Posted by: Gerald McIvor (Friend) on: Jun 07, 2014
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You will always be remembered uncle. We will all get called home to our Creator one day! Until then, when we think of you, you will be right there, in our thoughts and in our hearts! My condolences to Linda. I never had the opportunity to meet her, but she was just as blessed as we were to have you in our lives! I'll never forget your lil' saying since we were small.. "I don't give a hoot." lol - Posted by: Rhonda (niece) on: May 31, 2014
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Percy! I'll always remember him coming through the door at the Bella Vista, or Times Change(d). Guitar in hand, his lovely partner Linda by his side, and that infectious smile. He came to connect with old friends, sing a few songs, and tell a few tales. How I loved Percy's sense of humour; and his stories, many of which spoke of life in Winnipeg's north end, often referencing the Slaw Rebchuk Bridge, a name which he always pronounced with great pomp and circumstance, as though he himself had been its proud architect. And whether the room was full, loud, and enthusiastic, or whether the room was empty and we were basically playing for our own amusement, Percy sang his songs with the same generous enthusiasm, his face beaming, bringing light to all who were there. Percy had seen his share of good times and bad in life. And he embraced it all with a smile that couldn't have been broader, a spirit which couldn't have been been more generous, and a heart which couldn't have been more tender. Percy, you will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend, until we meet again in that fair land where all peoples will live together in perfect harmony with creation, and with each other. My condolences to Linda and the family. - Posted by: Curtis Penner (part-time bassist for the Jakebrakes) (Friend) on: May 30, 2014
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When Percy was in the room you knew it. He seemed unassuming and quiet, but when he took the mic it was magic. I'll miss backing him up and of course hearing him sing Stagger Lee. RIP my friend and condolences to Linda and Jason and family. - Posted by: Patti Lamoureux (Friend) on: May 30, 2014
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I will always be grateful to Percy & Linda for their strength and friendship during Doug's illness. It was an honour to know him. My heartfelt condolences to Linda and Jason. May you be comforted by the love of the many, many friends whose lives he touched. - Posted by: Tracey Nepinak (Friend) on: May 29, 2014
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Good bye to my good Percy, I'll miss our laughs and great conversations. And we will miss your presence at this year's National Aboriginal Day in the north end. I don't remember you missing a year with us in the past 12 to share your song and jokes. Thanks for years of inspiration, great role modelling for men in Manitoba. Ha Ho Clayton Sandy. - Posted by: Clayton Sandy (friend) on: May 29, 2014
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Thank you uncle for your wacky sense of humor, your love of music and for sharing it all with us. I just know that right you are up in heaven with all our loved ones, having one heck of a jam session...... I know I will see you again. Until then watch over us all and keep us safe. - Posted by: cheryl campbell (JINX) (neice) on: May 29, 2014
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Percy was an amazing coach and guide for me when I broke into the addictions counselling field. He took me under his wing every time I went running to him overwhelmed at the job. We met again years later, when I was in another field, and he came to many schools in our division to share his teachings and story. Everyone loved him. He changed a lot of attitudes toward Indigenous peoples and residential school survivors with his playful humour and tell-it-as-it-is approach. I am honoured to have been a small part of the vast circle of people who loved and respected him. Rest well, my beloved Uncle, until I see you again. Miigwetch. - Posted by: Lisa Aymont Hunter (adopted niece) on: May 29, 2014
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It was about three years ago that I picked up the phone and heard Percy's voice for the first time. Since then, we became quite close, calling one another often. In 2013 we finally had the opportunity to meet face to face as he was visiting his daughter, Stephanie, who we found out lives just three hours away from us in Arizona. When he called and asked directions to our house, I decided to meet him somewhere so he wouldn't get lost. I asked, "How will I know you?" He, in his joking tone responded, "I'll be the fat old Indian". I had no problem picking him out of the room full of people. He and Jane visited with us for a short time but in that time we were blessed with his music and his charming hilarity. The next time we met was in Las Vegas to share the beautiful memories of Stephanie and Franz's wedding. This time I had the chance to share my cello playing with him. This was such an honor for me as our connection through musical talents were parallel. This last time we spent together was a sad time in Estes Park, Colorado, trying to ease the pain in his daughter, Stephanie, as we all grieved the loss of her dear husband. Percy sat with me on one night in his motel room. He told me stories of my birth parents, George and Victoria Bluebird and of my Grandparents. It seemed that when I spoke to him I was only ever asking questions which I never seemed to get a verbal answer, yet I could hear his answer. Percy was my spiritual guide and healer. He fixed places in my broken past and filled them with gold. I am saddened by our leaving us physically Percy but I know that I will always hear your voice, your laughter, your music. I am grateful for everything you have given to us while you were here. Your greatest gift was that of Stephanie. - Posted by: Kyli Weaver (aka Debra Bluebird) (Cousin) on: May 29, 2014
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Percy called me almost at the moment my family & I landed at Winnipeg International Airport, February 1981 after we lived in Northern California for about 5 years. He asked me to join his touring band. Without hesitation I accepted. We toured all over Manitoba, N.W. Ontario and parts of Saskatchewan for almost 10 years. Through the good and tough times Percy stood tough & upright. In spite of some apartheid conditions, he broke through all of that with his charm, politesse and his commanding stage presence. In the last few years, we continued to have him as our honoured guest on our stage whenever he was present. His stage prowess and unique voice remained his biggest asset at any & all of his performances. He remained a stalwart and steady influence in the Aboriginal entertainment industry. He will be remembered for his grace and friendliness towards his community and even to passing strangers; winning all of us over, again & again with his childlike innocence and valuable integrity. Meegwetch apitchi, Neechie for your gift. May the Creator/Great Spirit bless & keep you & yours in the safety of Her/His Love. Bluesfully, Billy Joe Green & Family - Posted by: billy joe green (guitarist-sideman, fellow road warrior for many years.) on: May 28, 2014
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Farewell Percy, your music lives on and you will be remembered. The Great Spirit is with you now and always. Condolences to Linda, Jay and all of your family esp. Robin, Brian and Lorna. - Posted by: Karen and Jim Wastasecoot (family friends) on: May 28, 2014
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I met Mr. Percy Tuesday at Al's Jam in Winnipeg, I got a chance to get to know both him and Linda. I'm really honored to have had the opportunity to share the stage with a legend! You might be gone but the mark you left on aboriginal music across this country and especially in Winnipeg will never be forgotten! - Posted by: Michael Lauze () on: May 28, 2014
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Dear Linda and Family, So sorry for your loss. There are never any words that can ease the hurt, pain and emptiness one is feeling at a time of losing someone so very Special, I pray that knowing Percy is no lOnger suffering and is in the great heavens above at peace will bring comfort to you and your family. The great heavens above has a very Special Angel playing his music he shared with all here on this land we call home, and of course his musician friends above also joining in a song or two. Blessing to you and your family that each day will be a little easier in finding peace and the memories everyone will share bring joy to ones heart remembering a Special man. Peace be with you and rest peacefully "Mr Percy Tuesday" - Posted by: Debi Copple (Friend) on: May 28, 2014