Tsannie, Joseph Boniface – Jan. 7, 1953 – July 15, 2012

Joe was born in ‘the bush’ on the shores of Sunrise Lake in Northern Saskatchewan. He grew up with a passion for the outdoors; hunting, trapping, fishing were his favorite pastimes and activities he loved to share with his family and friends. From a young age, Joe attended residential school where he made lifelong friendships with classmates from across Saskatchewan. He went on to become a leader in his home community of Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation, holding the honoured and respected position of Chief for several years. Most notably in his leadership role, Joe was an advocate for post secondary education, as evidenced by his years of commitment to the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) Board of Directors. Joe also worked with the mining industry in several capacities. Most recently, as a Community Liaison with Cameco, ensuring that information and opportunities were available to far north community members. Joe was an artist and well known for his musical (fiddle and guitar) and artistic (oil paints) abilities; he also excelled in traditional crafts and activities. Joe was a son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, godfather and great grandfather. He played a major role in the lives of all his relations. His children share memories of their dad eating ice cream at the kitchen table; creating painted masterpieces; teaching them how to play the guitar; trips to far off places; hunting caribou and sleeping under the stars; late night fiddling at the band hall; snowmobile rides to the cabin; and his undying love and support! Joseph will be lovingly remembered by his wife: Veronique Tsannie; his children: Shirley St. Pierre (Jerome St. Pierre), Joseph (Smy) Tsannie (Brandy Smart), Jeffrey Tsannie (Adrienne Ratt), Joanne Tsannie (Jamie Bouvier) and JarrynTsannie (Aleena Sha’Oulle); his grandchildren: Sherylynn, Shelley, Shantelle, Naomi, Shanlee, Jerome, Smy, Sky, Gabrielle, Raine, River and Jaylena; his great grandchildren: Shayla and Jace; his siblings: Angus (Julienne), JB (Sylvia), Jean (Therese), Mary (Jonas), Simon (Florence), Rose (Angus), Abraham (Evelyn), Bernadette and Hector (Georgina); his Godchildren: Joseph Jerry Joseyounen and Darwin Dzeylion, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his parents: Gabriel & Angel Tsannie; his brothers: Abraham Tsannie (infant) and Jean Tsannie; his sisters: Mary Madeline Hugarth (Paul Hugarth), Louise Tsannie and Bernadette Tsannie. One day, we might forget the people that once came to our lives. But I know that when that day comes, I won’t forget you. Cause you didn’t just come into my life, you became a part of it. A Wake Service will be commencing Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Father Megret High School, Wollaston Lake, SK. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 11:00 am, at St. Adrian Roman Catholic Church in Wollaston Lake with Fr. Bob Leblanc officiating, interment to follow. Arrangements in care of Northern Funeral Service, MacKenzie Chapel. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.northernfuneralservice.ca

• Date : 2012-07-15 06:00:00