Allan Paquachan

Wake

Tuesday, January 20th

4:00 p.m.

Kylemore Hall

Funeral Service

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

9:30 a.m.

Kylemore Hall

The world shifted today... a wave that twill forever change our realities has passed over us. We anticipate and often think about times like this in an effort to be prepared, but we soon realize that we can never really be ready for such a life-changing event - the passing of someone so dearly loved in our life we come across some extraordinary people; for many of us, Allan was one of those people. As a person and a leader he was calm in the midst of a storm, compassionate and steady force to be reckoned with- a lamb, lion, thunder.

On October 15, 1944 on a chilly day with now on the ground, Allan was born in a canvas tent, the second son of Andrew and Helen Paquachan. His parents were working away from the community at the time, living in the tent for a few months before returning to Fishing Lake.

Allan not only showed us how to live, he taught is how to live well.

He loved watching, coaching and participating in sports. Besides coaching most of the sports he participated in, Allan was a hockey goaltender, a fastball pitcher who threw a mean drop ball, an avid golfer who often competed, and an amazing curler. He was Wadena's ice maker and caretaker for 10 years. Allan was an inspiration and a great motivational coach, a sportsman, a keen strategist and a team player.

Allan was a community man and worked tirelessly to assist others. He enjoyed visiting and sharing stories, and always had time to laugh and joke with people. He spent some time playing and competing at poker gatherings. He would dance once in a while, recently performing a jig for everyone. Allan had looked forward to spending more time at the racetrack and travelling to visit his many friends and family throughout Canada and the United States.

Allan was a story keeper. We have lost someone who held tremendous knowledge of our family tree, the land, our history and our heritage. We are fortunate to be left with many wonderful memories, teachings and stories.

Allan was a farmer and a mechanic. He enjoyed his cattle, spending time on his cab-less tractor to seed and harvest, even on hot scorching days. He never seemed to mind spending hours fixing his farm machinery and he could be found at a farmers' auction or two chatting with local farmers.

Allan was a hunter. He taught his sons how to hunt and navigate the wilderness, and he enjoyed chasing game on his ski-doo with his friends.

Allan was a Chief and compassionate leader- servant-leader- of our community. He served his people wholeheartedly and tirelessly working hard to realize his people's rights. Allan believed in nuturing and developing everyone's capacity, and treated people with the utmost respect. In 2008 he was recognized with FSIN Circle of Honour "Lifetime Achievement" award.

Allan was a man of faith. He loved his God, his Christ. His faith transformend his life. His Bible is very worn with his many hand-written dates, notes and comments in the margins-he read it over at least 4 times. He always said that he worked for his people, but ultimately for God.

He was a devoted friend, and a father, grandfather and great grandfather like no other. His love knew no bounds. Along with his wife, Marjorie, he created a warm, caring and welcoming home. Their door was never locked and they could be reached at any time of the day or night. We shared our dad with community- he was everyone's father.

We will miss you husband, dad, grandfather, brother, friend and Chief. We know that you loved life and didn't want to leave us, but at the same time you looked forward to being with your maker and family.

Allan will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community members. He is survived by his loving wife, friend and partener of 50 years, Marjorie; daughter Jaqueline Ottmann; sons Fenton, Keith, Giles, Jeffery and Kevin Paquachan; 21 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many family and friends.

He is predeaceased by his parents Andrew and Helen Paquachan; brothers Vernon, Bernard, Roland, Dennis and Joe; sisters Vera Smoke, Marjorie Nanaquetung and Rose Paquachan; two grandsons, and many family and friends.

Allan not only showed us how to live, he taught us how to live well.