The funeral for Gordon Roberts will be held Friday in Stanley Mission. (Submitted photo/Tammy Cook-Searson)

By Derek Cornet

honour

Firefighter dies responding to call in Grandmother’s Bay, funeral planned for Friday

Apr 27, 2023 | 12:45 PM

The volunteer fire chief of Grandmother’s Bay, who passed away while attending a call on Sunday, is being remembered for the four decades he devoted to serving the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB).

Gordon Roberts died this weekend in the line of duty while responding to a grass fire that had begun to spread into the bush in Grandmother’s Bay. It’s suspected the cause of death was a heart attack.

“The first responders did everything they could to work on him. They are heroes,” LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said.

“They worked a long time on him to try to bring him back. They just took turns. I think when you are in a situation like that, the time just stands still. The first responders did an amazing job, and we are really grateful for all the work they did and also the firefighters who were there on the scene.”

Roberts was Cook-Searson’s uncle. She explained he was employed as the public works director in Stanley Mission and for maintenance at the school, before returning to work only a few months after retirement. For the last five years, he served as both the volunteer fire chief and water treatment plant operator in Grandmother’s Bay.

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He had also served as the volunteer fire chief in Stanley Mission for some time and all together was employed by the band for about 40 years.

“He devoted his whole life serving the community to make it better and to make sure the community members are safe,” Cook-Searson added.

“It’s been a difficult time, but also a time where everybody has come together, so we are really grateful for all the support for my aunt, her children, and her grandchildren, and also the communities of Grandmother’s Bay and Stanley Mission.”

Roberts is also being remembered as a family man, who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also liked sports including golf and baseball. He was also known as a huge Boston Bruins fan.

The La Ronge Regional Fire Department has lowered its flags to half-mast in honour of Roberts. Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River MP Gary Vidal also released a statement.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of Fire Fighter Gordon Roberts as he was on a call and actively fighting a fire in his community of Grandmother’s Bay. Volunteer firefighters and their departments are sustained by individuals dedicated to keeping their communities safe. Our hearts go out to the family, colleagues, friends, and whole community of Grandmother’s Bay as they deal with this tragic loss,” he stated.

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) meanwhile said they are saddened by Roberts’ passing.

“Gordon’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte. “He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. We honour his memory and give thanks for his service to our community. He was not only a dedicated firefighter but also a good friend to many.”

The PAGC is lowering its flags to half-mast while the PAGC’s Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Management is arranging his Last Call with 9-1-1 dispatch.

A wake for Roberts will be held on April 27th, which will be followed by his funeral the next day in Stanley Mission. Cook-Searson mentioned she has heard from the Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Prince Albert Grand Council Emergency and Protective Services, and La Ronge Regional Fire Department Chief Keaton Cloud.

She noted they will likely conduct an honour guard for Roberts as he passed away in the line of duty.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno