(Facebook/Victor Thunderchild)

By paNOW Staff

He will be missed

Carlton’s Thunderchild loses battle after being hospitalized with COVID-19

Apr 17, 2021 | 11:24 AM

Victor Thunderchild, a well-known and well-respected Prince Albert high school student counselor died Saturday morning after being hospitalized with COVID-19. He was with the school for nearly 30 years.

Victor Thunderchild was in hospital with COVID-19 since April 2.

“We are heartbroken with the news of Victor’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and every heart that he touched,” Carlton Principal Jeff Court said. “Victor was a staple in our school/community and will be missed immensely.”

Safe Schools Saskatchewan Advocacy believed Thunderchild’s death could have been prevented with more measures.

“We have members of our admin team connected to Prince Albert so we were aware. We are also in shock and vacillate between sadness and rage. His death was preventable. We will continue to fight for the safety of school staff and students,” Safe Schools Saskatchewan said in a statement.

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An online tribute to the beloved teacher, and mentor has been gaining momentum. (Twitter)

Condolences, well wishes, and tributes poured onto Thunderchild’s Facebook page, including from friends, family members, and those who were inspired by Thunderchild as students and pupils. Kaylene Waditaka shared “Mr. Thunderchild” was one of her favourite teachers.

“He really pushed to me to graduate, and helped me with letters when I ran for Miss FSIN 2018-2019 and always told me all these opportunities to help me boost my grades,” she said.

Waditaka also explained one thing she will always remember and hold in her heart is how on the first day of school (in his class) he would play the Flag & Victory song and the last day of school he would play them again.

“I loved how he did that for each of his classes, ” she said.

A screenshot of some comments of condolences on Victor Thunderchild’s Facebook page.

Thunderchild’s passion to see youth excel has not gone unnoticed. (Facebook)

On April 5, Thunderchild sounded the alarm on COVID-19 affecting teachers and school staff, and urged Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to make school staff essential workers.

The Saskatchewan Rivers School Division confirmed Thunderchild’s passing. Director of education Robert Bratvold said in a statement their condolences go out to Thunderchild’s family and they will provide support to the family, as well as all students and staff.

“Victor was a much-loved teacher and counsellor at Carlton Comprehensive public High School for 29 years; he was a leader and supporter of many division-wide efforts and was an integral part of the wider community as well,” he said. “He will be deeply missed.”

A collection of flowers was left outside the main entrance doors at Carlton Comprehensive High School. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow