JOHN ALFRED (STEVE) ANDERSON

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JOHN ALFRED (STEVE) ANDERSON On Wednesday December 27, 2000, at his residence during his sleep, the angels of Glory came to take our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother to his heavenly home. Steve, as he was affectionately known to everyone, leaves to mourn his beloved wife Harriet; two sons, Clifford (Maxine), Andrew (Charlotte) eight daughters, Grace (Joseph) Meconse, Myrlene (Norman) Murdock, Jean (Elmer) Courchene, Lily (Gordon) Letandre, Bella Anderson (Max Halaburda), Ruth (Archie) Woodhouse, Annie (Alvin) Thompson, Rosemary (Joe) Anderson; 46 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Shirley Cranford, Kathy Anderson; son-in-law Raymond Ross; his adopted grandson Isaac Woodhouse; his sister Bertha Sanderson; brothers, Joe (Ruth) Cubby (Lily) and Edward (Myrtle) sister-in-law Ida McLean, also many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Charles on September 27, 1987; his grandchildren, Darryll, Floyd, Lloyd, Gregory and Phillip; his parents Peter and Isabella; his, brothers Alex and David; sisters, Mary Thompson, Christina Sinclair and son-in-law Romeo Courchene. Steve was born September 8, 1917, and resided in Fairford all his life. Early in life, he committed his life to God and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. A commitment he kept to the end. He was a respected elder both in the church and his community. His leadership role was evident and was well known as being instrumental in rebuilding of the former House of Prayer, securing the funds in his own ways. Steve was also thrilled to have made a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands during his lifetime, the land of Israel where his Saviour-Jesus Christ was born. His work in bringing up his children included: trapping, fishing, and commenced the first student transportation service for his community of Fairford. His work also included being Vice-President of the former Manitoba Indian Brotherhood (now known as the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs). In this line of work he was instrumental in the establishment of Interlake Reserves Tribal Council, working with Frank Veregin of Indian Affairs. He also did a lot of work in preliminary reports of health, judicial and education issues for Manitobas First Nations. Despite these and many other accomplishments, Steve preferred to stay out of the limelight and took on the role of a humble man. His thanks and praises were to God. Viewing will take place in Ashern on Friday, December 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Ashern Centennial Hall. Wake service will be held on Saturday, December 30, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Little Saskatchewan Pentecostal Church. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 31, at 12:00 noon sharp at the Little Saskatchewan Pentecostal Church with Rev. Robert McLean and Alvin Thompson officiating. Interment to follow at St. Helens Cemetery in Fairford. Active pallbearers will be Frank Ross, Clint Anderson, Jeff Anderson, Steven Murdock, Mike Anderson and Preston Woodhouse. Cross bearer will be Joey Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Albert Woodhouse, Donald Gould, Garry Settee, Henry Daniels, Frank Veregin, Fred Cook, Laurie Sanderson, Mark Traverse, all his grandchildren and all those that knew him as friend and mentor. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Piesas and the nursing staff of the Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Arnasons Funeral Home Ltd. Ashern - Lundar 204-768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2000