Joseph Red Thunder Boy

Joseph (Tom) Red Thunder Boy

1943 - 2012

Joseph (Tom) Red Thunder Boy, Niiyo-giizhig Miskobinese Gwiiwizens , Makwa Doodem, Bear Clan, April 18, 1943, passed away peacefully September 18, 2012 at the Lake of the Woods with his family at his side.

Joe is survived by his soul-mate Marilyn, eight children Marvin (Dorinda), Conrad, Phyllis (Daniel), Gary (Lydia), Warren, Sheila, Shelly, Ricky (Lana), sisters Celene and Emily, siblings Francis, Ann, Karen, Kim, 25 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life.

Joe was a proud traditional Ojibwe of Naotkamegwanning First Nation. Joe was their 1st police officer, 1st Band Manager, 1st Social Education Counsellor, Kenora Separate School Board Trustee, negotiated and obtained 1st Day Care, reserve school Gr. 1-12 and started pow-wows in Treaty 3 territory being a traditional dancer himself. Joe worked for Treaty 3 administration, Kenora Patricia Child & Family Services as a social worker and supervisor, set up training programs for First Nation Prevention Worker, instrumental in development of Ojibwe Cultural Centre, 15 years Board member of Nechee Friendship Centre, instrumental in negotiating for establishment of Treaty #3 Police Service and president of their Board for 7 years. Joe organized annual powwows at Kenora Rec Centre for 4 years. Joe took pride in making traditional drums and eagle staffs for many Treaty #3 organizations and communities.

Pallbearers will be Louie Napish, Alex Tom, Darren Tom, Darryl Joseph, Patrick Joseph, Darren Joseph, Jim Kavanaugh and David Kelly.

Honourary Pallbearersare; Brian Rupert, Colin Wasacase, Dan Shankowsky, George Carlson, Ernie Jones, Brian Beacham, Jim Johanson, Allan Morris, Brian Nash, Francis Kavanaugh, Gary Smith and Daniel Pitchenese.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Nee Chee friendship Centre.

Wake will be held Friday, September 21, 2012 at N.W.A. #37 Complex Building beginning at 3:00 p.m. Funeral – Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Northwest Angle #37 (off Gaudry Road) Complex officiated by Elder Leslie Paishk.

Family gives special thanks to Dr. B. Pedersen and all medical staff at the Clinic and Hospital for their care of Joe.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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