It is with great sadness that the family of William "Willie" Wilson announces his passing on Tuesday March 9, 2021 at the LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, ON.
Willie was born on February 27, 1941 in Manitou Rapids to Leonard and Agnes Wilson. He grew up in Manitou Rapids. When he was working in Dryden, he met his wife, Carol Shaffer, and they were united in marriage on June 25, 1966. Together they returned to Manitou Rapids to build a life.
It was then that he turned his attention to helping his community and ran for Chief in the early 70’s and served for over 16 years. As Chief, he led his community into business ventures in forestry products and fisheries, as well as authorizing efforts that would lead to the Rainy River First Nations land claim settlement and land management. He was instrumental in the protection of the Manitou Mounds and spent many years sharing knowledge and history with younger generations at the site’s Kay-nah-chi-wah-nung Historical Centre. His leadership would lead him to historic meetings with Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, as well as Jean Chretien as he advocated for treaty promises. He served as tribal chief, as well as Grand Chief of Treaty #3. He was very community orientated, worked very hard to make sure that his community was looked after, and was a strong advocate of economic development, the Anishinaabe language, and treaty knowledge. Willie always brought a warmth and humour everywhere to which he was always remembered, even many years later and from hundreds of miles away.
In his own words, “Education is important. It's important for those who have learned to speak Anishinaabemowin to create new ways for new learners to learn it easier and learn it faster. From language to ceremony to history, everything your generation chooses to pick up, learn, and share will support and help generations tomorrow."
His hockey family’s are cherished memories that will never be forgotten the games, the stories told, and the ones made up will live on forever.
He leaves behind his wife Carol; son Dean (Jenn) adopted son Rob Horton, and granddaughter Emma; grandsons Connor and Cameron Scholfield; sister Roberta Sinclair (John) and adopted grandson Aaron Myers and his family, mother Joanne Bruyere, sisters Laura and Kathy; as well as a large extended family and close friends Alan and Shawn Eide to name a few.
William was predeceased by his parents Leonard Sr and Agnes; son Robert Joseph in 1972 and siblings Joseph, Leonard and Hilda Wilson, Genevieve McGinnis and Helen Hunter.
A celebration of life was held on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the Rainy River First Nations Gymnasium with interment in Rainy River First Nations.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Lavendrye Hospital in appreciation to all the wonderful nursing staff who cared for him !
A thank you to Jackie, Connie, Dina, and Brent for your support for his son thru out this time ! This will never will be forgotten.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tribal area Health authority and his homemaker Laura cridland Horton. You made his final days easier with your support.
He lived in love, laughter and language and wherever love, laughter and language abide, he will be there in spirit.
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