MARVIN GERALD SMOKER

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• I met Marvin Smoker while looking for my friend Marvin Smoker. My friend Marvin was his nephew. I found out from Marvin Sr. that my friend Marvin Jr. was deceased. But I found a new friend. I was sorry that I had no pictures of my friend Marvin Jr. Rest In Peace. Your kindness and wisdom will always be remembered by me. - Posted by: Heather Visser (Acquaintance) on: Jul 12, 2015

• My condolences to Annie at the loss of Marvin - Posted by: Jay-Lynne (former collegue of Annie) on: Sep 28, 2014

• Marvin and i go way back to the 80s. I'm a musician and I had been introduced through a mutual acquaintance, Errol Kinistino. They came from the same fn. Anyway he'd come to see my show and I went to see some of his performances. He was a fine traditional dancer too. I lived on Banning Street by Portage Ave. and one day the parade came through one day. There was Marvin leading the aboriginal line dancing club. Later my wife and I bought Connie's Cafe and again Marvin came. For years his photo with Tom Jackson was hung on the wall there. God only knows how many times he lobbied Connie's to sponsor his softball club. He had a great welcoming warm smile. I clearly remember his last visit there because we always took the time to catch up. God bless Marvin's fun loving soul. The great spirit has a greater resource this day. Hoo - Posted by: bob chartrand (friend and artist colleague) on: Sep 25, 2014

• I met Marvin (a friend of my mother's) when I was about 4 years old. He kind of scared me but he looked cool because it was the 80's and he was rocking arm bands and a sweatband. It is one of my earliest most detailed memories. I guess I saw him around as a kid but years later as an adult. I was at a pow wow and I of course instantly recognized Marvin. The awesome thing is that he recognized me! He hugged me and asked how my mother was and made me feel really welcome in his space. I always liked seeing him after that and having that old memory and reminiscing about it with my mom or brother. He was lovely and he will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Seraph-Eden Boroditsky (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2014

• To the family: So sorry for your loss. I met Marvin at the Indian Family Centre and considered to be a student of his as he had many stories to share and learn from. He gifted me with a stone one time that I will always treasure and it resembled his strength and humbleness to me. I wasn't able to attend the wake due to hearing of this too late but am sending prayers and the thought of your loved one dancing and joking with the ones that have passed on and embraced him going into the spirit world. Meegwetch. - Posted by: Dee Thomas (Friend and student) on: Sep 24, 2014

• I met Marvin at dialysis. He always had a joke for me. He made my stay at seven oaks bearable. RIP Mr Smoker - Posted by: leonard erstelle (friend) on: Sep 24, 2014

• Marvin was a kind and gentle spirit and he had a wonderful sense of humour that was enjoyed by many. When I was just starting out as a comedian, Marvin was kind enough to invite me to perform my stand-up comedy show at his club in Winnipeg. I enjoyed his many visits at NCI-FM radio over the years as well. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Gerry "The Big Bear" Barrett (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2014

• I had the chance to meet Marvin during our pow wows at U of W, IT'S BEEN NOW 5 YRS I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED AND OUT OF THOSE YEARS, I MET A VERY HAPPY GOING PERSON, Marvin, always smiling.... I am honoured to have been in his presence. My deepest condolences to Marvin & his family and friends, & to my Ojibwe Professor Annie.. Chi_megwetch, Marvin you will continue to dance in the sky. Margaret Cobiness and Family - Posted by: Margaret Cobiness ( UW Pow Wow Organizer ) on: Sep 24, 2014

• I met Marvin a few years back he always made me laugh or give me something to think about. He usually had some pearl of wisdom to pass along to the newbies he was always ready to help another. I will remember his kind heart he was a gentle soul we have lost a warrior RIP my friend I can imagine him holding a big mtg in the spirit world and making everyone feel special as he did on earth you will be missed - Posted by: lisa johnston (friend) on: Sep 23, 2014

• You were a great man with so many stories to share. I will miss your laughter, smile and your crazy jokes. You always put a smile on my face Marvin! :-) May you be dancing with Creator and our Ancestors doing what you loved most. You were a great friend who had many special gifts which mostly was your love for our Culture and our community! I will cherish these times. May you rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Haven Stumpf (Friend) on: Sep 23, 2014

• We will miss Marvin at our Centre. He attended many celebrations that we had for our students. He was always in attendance to dance at our Traditional Graduation Ceremonies and to share his stories with us. He had close relationships with some of the long time staff and I know that our community will miss his friendly smile and wisdom. Meegwetch Marvin for being an important person on our Journey. Ekosi from your Urban Circle family - Posted by: Urban Circle Training Centre Inc. (Friends) on: Sep 23, 2014

• The Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Winnipeg wishes to express our condolences to Marvin's family and friends, especially our colleague Annie. As a man who contributed to and supported mino bimaadiziwin, we are sure that Marvin will be dearly missed as he walks on to be with the Creator. - Posted by: JULIE PELLETIER (Annie's colleagues at UWinnipeg) on: Sep 23, 2014