Joseph Laswisse

Nia Duta (Traditional Dakota Name)

January 25, 1942 - September 7, 2022

Dave’s spirit ascended on Wednesday, September 7th, 2022 with his dedicated daughter Cathy, her three children, and his dear Mavis at his side. He was surrounded by an unending circle of love. Dave was predeceased by many close family and friends: his grandparents Mary (nee Bear) and Jacob LaSwisse; parents Georgina (nee Deegan) and Paul LaSwisse; siblings Barbara, Ray, Larry, Anita, Gloria, Karen, Mona, and an infant brother at childbirth; and granddaughter Marci.

Dave leaves in legacy: his son Christopher LaSwisse (Keya) of New Westminster, BC; daughter Cate “Cathy” Morris of Regina SK and her children Carlen, Callie “Winona”, Kristen “Kacy” and her “littles” Jace and Presley; son Nelson Goodwill (Joanne) of Tatanka Najin, SK and their children Monica, Mary, Marissa, Cherish, and Eli and their grandchildren Karson, Ariana, Janiah, Kirah, Bria, Mateo, Makelti, Wilma, Kara, and Owen; special friend and long-time companion Mavis Averill of Edmonton AB; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and an extensive circle of ceremony family, dear friends, and cherished coworkers.

Dave’s legacy is also how much he devoted his life to helping others while he walked his own traditional path of sobriety. He was a long-time friend of Bill W. and was a welcoming face and voice to many, often accepting calls at all hours of the day and night in unwavering support of others. In his lifetime, Dave has supported thousands of people to rekindle their spiritual balance to commence and resume their own healthy journeys through life. He supported others in sobriety but also as they sought a closer relationship with God and with traditional Indigenous teachings in a way that encouraged them to safely continue their understanding, never scolding or admonishing their slip ups or hopes of healing. Dave was extremely knowledgeable of his people’s Dakota ways, language, songs, teachings and history. He held these invaluable gifts in a most respectful and fragile way, always cognizant of their significance. He shared as much as he felt safe to do so and in a way that was respectful of his culture but also not to overwhelm the recipient of such beautiful teachings. Dave was a true and humble keeper of sacred knowledge.

Dave was also dedicated to support those struggling in the justice system and Corrections. He worked in this field for most of his adult life, always with the hope of supporting those who have received little support in their struggles. The people he served were always in the forefront of Dave’s mind and held space in his heart. He prayed for them constantly and shared often to whomever would hear that yes, more needs to be done, but in more meaningful ways. Dave’s presence in this field, in his life’s calling, will be deeply missed. He wanted the guys inside to know that he’s okay and that he wants them to be strong and take care of themselves. Live a good life.

Dave was always a kind word and gesture in an often unkind world. He will be forever remembered for his rare humanity, kindness, generosity, dedication, intelligence, advocacy, great sense of humour, encouragement, unconditional support, knowledge, and his love for family and others. Dave was a loving father, family member, partner and friend. Those who sat amongst him, those who have known Dave, have been abundantly blessed. We will all forever miss him and his rare and gentle soul. We will forever appreciate that we were blessed with his presence. As his daughter, I will feel his absence forever. I want to encourage everyone to honour my dear Dad’s memory by choosing to live your own good life. Our family extends our gratitude to the staff of Alberta Health Services, Regina General Hospital Unit 5E, and the Regina Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit, with special thanks to Sharon and Haley.

Dave will be brought home and carried into the Tipi at 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 10th, 2022. Location is the Treaty 4 Governance Centre Tipi, 740 Sioux Avenue, Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, where we will sit in remembrance at a Traditional Wake. As Dave spoke of children as life, sacredness and medicine, they are welcome to attend until sunset.

The Traditional Wake will be followed by a Celebration of Dave’s extraordinary life. The Memorial Service will commence at 10:00 am on Sunday, September 11th, 2022 at the same location. A Funeral Procession will lead us to Dave’s final resting place on Tatanka Najin (Standing Buffalo) at the Burial Site on the Hilltop. A Feast and Giveaway will follow immediately afterwards at Tatanka Najin’s Old Daycare building at the bottom of the hill. Pidamaya ye. Hechetu.