KENNETH OWEN ALBERT

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KENNETH OWEN ALBERT TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVED ME When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do You mustnt tie yourself to me with tears Be happy that we had so many years I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness I thank you for all the love you have shown But now its time I travelled on alone So grieve for a while, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust Its only for a while that we must part So bless the memories within your heart I wont be far away, for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come Though you cant see me or touch me, Ill be near And if you listen with your heart, youll hear All of my love around you soft and clear And then when you must come this way alone Ill greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home" The Community of Norway House is in deep mourning in its loss of one our greatest leaders, an individual who inspired many people in his lifes journey. Kenneth Owen Albert, aged 53, passed away suddenly at the Norway House Hospital on Thursday, March 4, 2004. Ken leaves to mourn his wife of 31 years, JoAnn; sons, Ken Jr. and Phillip; his daughters, Aiden and Stacy and his other son Garth; granddaughters, Kendall, Tanisha and Julianna and grandson, Kashtin. Sisters, Betsy Elizabeth Muskego, Margaret Smith (Eddie) of Winnipeg, Rose Marie Scott of Cross Lake; brothers, Norman and James Wilfred Charles (Phyllis) of Norway House; sister-in-law Susan (nee Duncan) of Norway House; sisters-in-law, Beverly, Christie (Danny), Barbara (Allan) brothers-in-law, Gerald (Valerie), John (Lydia) and numerous nephews and nieces. Ken also leaves to mourn special friends and colleagues Chief Ron Evans and wife Betsy; brothers by choice, who were his nephews, Fred Muskego and Robbie Apetagon; his friends, Phil Fontaine - National Chief of AFN, Reggie Leach, Reggie Chubb and Franklin Arthurson; many other friends and business associates (too numerous to mention) whose lives he touched with his unconditional love, friendship, compassion and kindness. On the same day just a few hours later, Kens beloved sister Norah Hart succumbed to her illness, with her children and family members at her bedside. Ken and Norah will journey together to their eternal home. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Christie Albert; brothers, McClure and Douglas; sister Hattie; father-in-law Joseph Swirsky and mother-in-law Mary Swirsky; brothers-in-law, Robert Apetagon, Ernest Scott, Buddy Hart; and sister-in-law Geraldine Swirsky. Ken was born on March 14, 1950. At a young age of 15, he left his home community to seek further education at Portage La Prairie where he graduated from Grade 12. From there, he did not look back but always into the future where he could contribute his knowledge and wisdom. He was an Educator, a Community Development Officer, a local Government Advisor, and a Band Manager. He also served one term as Chief of Norway House Cree Nation, the youngest Chief in Manitoba at the tender age of 25. In addition he served his community as a Member of the Band Council for five terms. As a businessman, his business interests ranged from hydro development project to supermarket and fishing lodge operations. He also served as the first Coordinator for York Boat Days festival. In 1994, he became Special Assistant to the Chief, a position which he held until the time of his passing. Ken made history and had prided in being the first aboriginal jury member in Canada in 1971. As a Special Assistant to the Chief, Ken was very instrumental in the development and progress of our community. His pet project was the Helen Betty Osborne Ininew Resource Centre, a new K4-12 School which Ken was involved with since its inception in 1995. We know, although he will not be with us physically at the official opening, he will be with us in spirit. Another one of his pet projects were the Elders gatherings at Christmas and York Boat Days. He had a lot of respect for the Elders and always ensured they were acknowledged and shown appreciation for their wisdom and contribution to our community. Never one to take credit for any thing, Ken would only focus on profiling our community and its leadership. Ken was a very proud, but humble man. He shared his knowledge, wisdom, time and laughter with his family and friends. He was a family man who spent many hours of quality time with his wife JoAnn and sons, Kenny and Philip. He was very proud of their achievements and always encouraged them not only to aspire towards earning their rightful place in society, but to always maintain their traditional and cultural heritage. Ken was a very dear friend to all who knew him, and we will always treasure those memories we have of him, and through that he will remain with us. We miss you so. Wake services will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Funeral services on Monday, March 8 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at the Norway House Cemetery. Northland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 06, 2004