Ernest Gregory Bird

Ernie was born on May 23, 1929 in Couchiching First Nation, not far from his family home. He grew up in Couchiching and as a young man joined the Royal Highland Black Watch Regiment, serving in the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to this area, working as a logger, guide and commercial fisherman. In 1968 he joined the Mando Mill in International Falls. After battling with alcoholism he became an addictions & mental health counselor. First working with the United Friendship Centre and then joining the staff at Riverside Community Counselling Services. He was very proud of being sober for 45 years and helping others battle their addictions. He was founding member of the Couchiching AA Survivors Group. Ernie enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time at the cabin. He loved to watch Maple Leaf hockey, listening to classic country music and share stories. He loved being surrounded by family and friends, particularly at Christmas. Christmas brought out the child in him every year, he was the one wanting to open presents on Christmas Eve.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Judy; children Janice (Brian) Cullen of Brandon, MB, Gregory Bird of Couchiching First Nation, Carolyn (Michael) Henderson of Mitaanjigaming First Nation, Rodney (Maria) Whitecrow of Steinbach, MB, Denise (Brock) Cousins of Kemnay, MB, Dean Whitecrow and Kyla Whitecrow (Jeff Savage); grandchildren Dave (Debbie) Roberts, Terry (Curtis) Ross, Randy (Kathie) Cullen, Trish (Karl) Watt, Jessica Bird, Jackson Bird, Aaron Henderson, Caitlin Henderson, Elizabeth Henderson, Brandon Saulis, Claudia Whitecrow, Keal Whitecrow, Brendan Cousins, Shaina Cousins, Nicholas Cousins, Aric Chapman, Benjamin Chapman and Ayanna Savage; siblings Dick (Rose) Bird, Marion Bergland and Ed (Betty) McLeod as well as numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ernie was predeceased by his father Samuel Bird; mother Agnes McLeod; stepfather Ed McLeod and brother Bernard Bird.

Prayer services will be held on Monday, August 5, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ontario.

Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Couchiching First Nation, Ontario with Father Victor DeGagne officiating.

Cremation will take place following the service with a private family interment.

The active pallbearers will be Gregory Bird, Rodney Whitecrow, Dean Whitecrow, Jason Mainville, Jeff Savage, Brock Cousins, Michael Henderson and Brian Cullen.

The honourary pallbearers will be Ernie’s grandchildren, great grandchildren and close friends.

The family gratefully requests that in memoriam donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 920 Frenette Avenue, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 2B7.