GORDON BITTERN (SPARKY)

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GORDON BITTERN (SPARKY) July 23, 1951 - July 11, 2004 Peacefully on Sunday, July 11, 2004, Gordon Bittern, son, brother, uncle and great-uncle, passed away at Berens River at the age of 52 years. Gordon was born at Berens River on July 23, 1951 and had resided there his entire life. Gordon was a kind and generous man, who was loved by all in the community. He helped anyone in need. He was a housesitter, babysitter, enjoyed cooking and helped raise many children in Berens River. At the birth of family members, Gordon was considered a Love Uncle and a Honorary Grandpa. He was very honest, had one face and always spoke the truth. He kept in touch with all his family members and never forgot their birthdays. His excellent memory could recall dates of many family deaths and births. He passed away on one of his grandchildrens birthday. Gordon was involved in all Berens River events, such as Treaty Days and playing guitar at wake services. Even though Gordon may have had many handicaps, they were not displayed. Gordon was considered one of the best dancers in Berens River. On July 10, at the end of the Treaty Days, Gordon went around kissing and hugging many members of the community as the last gesture of his farewell to the Berens River Community. He was predeceased by his father Antoine; mother Margaret Rose and nephew Quincy Keeper. He leaves to cherish his beautiful memory, Dolores Berens (Murray), Tom Bittern (Matilda), Charlie Bittern (Margaret), Tony Bittern (Mary) and Margaret Simmons (Martin) two stepbrothers, Mark Traverse and Jacob Traverse. There are 31 nieces, nephews and a very special niece, Nancy Whiteway (Morden). There are numerous great grand-nieces and nephews whom he considered as his own grandchildren; special friends, Lester and Margaret Everett, Clarence and Teresa Everett, Glen and Madeline Everett and June Green. Gordon will be sadly missed by the co-workers at the nursing station and numerous friends. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aboriginal Funeral Chapel, 724 Selkirk Ave. at Parr, Winnipeg. Wake services will be held on Thursday, July 15 and Friday, July 16 at Berens River House of Prayer. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 17 at 12:00 noon also at the House of Prayer with Pastor Oliver Everett officiating. Interment to follow at Berens River Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Clarence Everett, Allan Atlooken, Charlie Bittern Jr., Morden Everett, Chief Alfred Everett, Glen Boulanger and all the citizens of Berens River should consider themselves as very special honorary pallbearers. Active pallbearers will be Steve Berens, Shane Berens, Gregory Berens, Kyle Simmons, William Bittern, Hartley Everett, Kevin Bittern and Dana Swain. The family would like to thank nurse Angela Hoy and Constables, McDonald and Wynn. ABORIGINAL FUNERAL CHAPEL 724 SELKIRK AVE. 586-7700

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2004