WALTER FONTAINE

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WALTER FONTAINE Sagkeeng First Nation Peacefully, after a brief illness, Walter Bernard Fontaine (Wally), born on February 23, 1932, passed from this life to be met by and reunited with his wife Verna; parents, Jean Baptiste (JB) and Agnes, and loving relatives and friends. Surrounded at his bedside by a loving family, Wally left this world early Tuesday morning, April 11, 2000. Walter was predeceased by his wife Verna in April, 1989; parents, JB (1952) and Agnes (1988) brothers, Hilaire, Clement, Marcel, Elmer, another brother who died at birth, and son-in-law William Ahmo (1978). Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are daughter Darlene; grandchildren, William (Melissa), Dara, Joshua, Crewin Ramsey for whom Walter and Verna were legal guardians; sisters, Thelma and Audrey; brothers, Jim, Bert, Dennis and Phil, numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Walter lived in Sagkeeng all his life and attended the Fort Alexander Indian residential School for eight years in the late 1930s and 1940s. He grew up in a loving family circle with parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and numerous close cousins. Walter and Verna joined together on October 7, 1954 and enjoyed many years of happily married life. They fostered many children as they opened their home to extended family and to the less fortunate. Wally worked on the construction of the Powerview Dam for a number of years and went on to work for the Abitibi Paper Company for 12 years. He continued his involvement in community affairs and returned to school in the early 1970s where he received his certificate for Home School Coordinator which allowed him to assist in the transfer of education from Indian Affairs to the Fort Alexander Band. He subsequently pursued a certificate in counselling from the University of Manitoba. In this role, he provided support to many students from the 1970s right up to the date of his hospitalization in March. Walter played hockey with the original Fort Alexander Braves. He revived old timers hockey in the Fort Alexander area, first playing with the Sagkeeng Warriors in 1968 and forming the Sagkeeng Oldtimers in 1978. With Verna, he embarked on a plan to assist hockey at Sagkeeng and at the same time support other initiatives in the community. Their fund-raising activities contributed significantly to the well-being of the community including providing guidance and direct assistance to the schools, elders, youth groups, the church and other community groups. Walter was founder, owner and manager of the Sagkeeng Oldtimers for more than 20 years. Highlights of his career were his appointment to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Oldtimers Hockey Association for a five year term in 1984, Sagkeeng Oldtimers winning two gold World Cups in 1983 in Munich and in 1987 at the Montreal Forum, and his Sportsmanship Achievement Award in 1988. Through his efforts, the Sagkeeng Oldtimers became nationally and internationally recognized in Oldtimers hockey. Wally put Sagkeeng on the map through his friendships with other team members from Canada, the U.S.A. and other countries including the USSR, through his involvement in competitions across Canada and in Copenhagen, Munich, London, Nice and Paris. Wally loved hockey till the end and even recently (days prior to his hospitalization) was spotted on bended knee in a cold, unheated rink, tying the skates of his eight year old grandson. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church, Fort Alexander, Man. with Fr. F. Paradis officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Wake service will start Wednesday, April 12 at St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Ron Guimond, Charles Courchene, Bernie Wood, Ken Young, George Hickes and Ted Fontaine. Honorary pallbearer will be Walters brother, National Chief Phil Fontaine, who will also deliver the eulogy on behalf of the family. The family would like to express their humble and heartfelt recognition and appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Unit, 3rd Floor, St. Boniface General Hospital for their love and compassion towards Walter and his family. Walter will always be remembered as our MVP - Most Valuable Player - among his family, Oldtimers hockey teams everywhere, and the Sagkeeng First Nation community. In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, donations in Walters memory may be made to Sagkeeng Old Timers Youth Hockey School in care of Darlene Ahmo, Winnipeg, Man. Sobering Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Beausejour in care of arrangements. Ph. Manitoba toll free 1-877-776-2220 or 268-3510.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2000