LISTEN UP PEOPLE I was not near a computer when Fathers Day rolled around this year, so I wasnt able to write what I wanted to say. But I did want to pay homage to a man who meant the world to me. Whether we are girl or boy, man or woman, we carry some of the traits of our parents in each and everyone of us. If we take a good look at ourselves we will see a part of our mother and father in the things we do each day or things we say. Not only do we see these traits but others notice them as well. I see the traits of my parents in the way I conduct myself and also as their last wishes they had asked of me when they were getting older and as they were passing away. In earlier postings I spoke of my mother and what she meant to me. This Fathers Day I wanted to honour my father with words of praise of what he has meant to me and what he has taught me. My father was a self taught man and a pioneer in the sense of teaching himself how to read and write. He had great penmanship which my brother Milton carries on today. He broke down employment barriers by being employed as a clerk for CN Railways, Store Clerk for Everetts Clothing and as a clerk in stores department at the mill at Red Rock. His passions in life was Freehand Sign Painting and Fishing. In the 50s, 60s and 70s most of the businesses in Nipigon and the surrounding area had Advertising signs painted by him. His Artistic ability is still recognized today in many ways and is still used by some Native organizations. He painted the flags which the Chiefs of Ontario and Union of Ontario Indians proudly display in their offices. His passion for fishing lead him to be touted as one of, if not the best Guides in the Nipigon. Through working with Gapiens Lodge, which was the Chalet Bungalow in later years he developed a clientele of American fisherman who came year after year to use his services. Most of his clients called him a friend and often invited him to their homes. He travelled to parts of the US to visit and was proud of the fact that when he was in Nashville Tennessee he got to meet Earl and Scruggs at the Grand Ole Opry. He was a noted Fly Fisherman and in 1959 he won the Field and Stream Award for catching the largest Speckled Trout with a Fly Rod that year, ( 7lbs. 9ozs.). This award represented entries from all over the world and in 1959 he won. I never felt more pride that the day I was standing on the shore of Polly Lake on the last day of the Polly Lake Fish Derby that year, watching him coming in to land his little 12 foot plywood punt, powered by a 5 HP Scotatwater Outboard Motor. Then seeing one of the largest pike (30+ lbs.) ever seen, laying in the bottom of the boat. I remember him winning first place in the Pike Category and getting a Pump Action Shotgun and numerous other prizes for his effort. I fished a lot with my father and he taught me methods and styles of fishing that I still use today in catching big pike and big Speckled Trout. My Dad gave of himself so that the rights of the Natives would gain the recognition they so rightly deserved. He and others like Toussaint Potan, Robbie Donio, Joe Michano and others spent a lot of their own time and money in the creation of the Native Organizations that represent us today. My dad loved each and every one of his children and he held a pride that was second to none with their accomplishments. He also stood bedside each and everyone of us in our downfalls and was always there to extend a helping hand when it was needed. His life was not perfect, nor would he ever admit he was perfect. He suffered early in life from TB and Heart Attacks yet he carried on with life. Losing most of his ribs and lungs to TB did not dampen his spirits and he lived life to the fullest. Though they were not together in the later years of their lives, he still loved my mother and held her in the highest regards. He often spoke of her accomplishments and the strength she had, and often said her abilities as a trapper, fisherman and hunter were what kept the family fed and healthy. We all have a mother and a father, Im glad I had the ones I did because it was through them I have gotten my strength and wisdom. Miss them both and will always love them. HAPPY FATHERS DAD
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 12:15:17 +0000
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