SANDY BEARDY

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SANDY BEARDY Our father, grand-father, brother, uncle and Elder left us peacefully at the Thompson General Hospital of natural causes on December 3, 2001. Born to Abraham and Madeline (Ross) on August 21, 1920 in Thicket Portage and raised in Cross Lake. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Rose - killed in action, Roderick, Clifford; sisters, Georgina and Keneena; son John and daughter Vivian; daughter-in-law Gloria; and grandchild Elaine. He leaves to mourn his wife Bernadette; children, Howard (Lydia), Max, Roseanne (William) Muswagon, Ronnie (Elaine), Helen, Darlene (Dwayne) Settee, Betty Lou (Greg) Halcrow, Sylvia (Wayne) Ross, Loretta (Pierre) Ross, Carla (Gerald) Chornoby, Ernest; brother Thomas (Lillian), Hanson (Margaret J.) Scott; sister Christina (John P.) Richards; sisters-in-law, Rose (Ernie) Scott, Clara (Andre) Enout of France, Leonie (Joe) Folster; brother-in-law Maurice Scatch; 44 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and acquaintances. Sandy led an accomplished life dedicated to the vision of the preservation and recognition of aboriginal rights, the right to self government, and his unerring, unwavering commitment to follow those principles earned him respect as traditional Elder. This strength was gained through his faith that transcends both Christian and Traditional spirituality. He served Pimicikamak Cree Nation as Chief in 1962, and as a councillor over few terms. He received the Order of the Buffalo Hunt for outstanding "leadership and pioneering qualities and cooperation" during his term as Chief. He was an adviser to the Northern Flood Agreement negotiations and subsequent implementation initiatives, he participated at Meech Lake, was spiritual counsel to Grand Chief Ovide Mercredie and Elder to MKO, AMC, and AFN, including many other first nations organizations. He has influenced and participated in various initiatives undertaken by past and present Councils in Cross Lake in his role as elder. His input and insight into these initiatives will be sorely missed. The First Nations have lost a great man in Sandy. As a family man he was to his family as he was to the causes he fought for. The same values of respect, dedication and honesty were passed on to his children. All who knew him felt the balance he achieved in his life. He was true to himself and most of all his family who will miss him dearly. "Kipapanow", as we all knew him including those who adopted him, will continue his legacy of endearing passion for life and wellness for everyone. Funeral services will be held in ONR School in Cross Lake on Friday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will commence at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the new cemetery. Special thanks to the PCN, MKO, NCI, the Northland Funeral Home in Thompson and so many others we cannot begin to acknowledge.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2001