Family mourns death of Elder

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It was a sad day for many who mourned the sudden death of Joseph Cardinal who passed away Sept. 16 at the age of 79. A funeral service was held at St. Bernard Mission, Grouard, Sept. 19 with Rev. Garry La Boucane presiding.

Elmer Cardinal was the cross bearer and the pallbearers were: Larry Cardinal, Melvin Cardinal, Mark Anderson, Larry L'Hirondelle, Charlie L'Hirondelle and Robert Chalifoux.

While those in attendance remembered Cardinal, organist Johnny Waniandy played the hymn, Amazing Grace. Joseph Cardinal was interned at the Grouard Mission Cemetary.

Many have warm memories of Joseph Cardinal who was respected by family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife who died in 1977. Together they had seven children, four boys and three girls, 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He met his wife in Fort Vermilion where she lived in a mission. At the time he was trapping. After a short courtship they were married. During the long winter months Joe made a living for his family by trapping so he was gone a lot but he always sent home money to his family. He was also a fisherman. The children were raised and taught to respect their Elders. His daughter remembers when they were young that they were the last ones to eat at the table.

He was quite active in Metis politics because he was concerned for the welfare of his people. He also travelled to meetings in Edmonton and he went with Sam Sinclair once or twice to Ottawa. Just prior to his death he planned on going to Edmonton to attend a meeting.

He enjoyed his privacy and preferred to live alone but when someone came to visit they never went away hungry. He enjoyed cooking and was famous for his homemade pies. His daughters had to clean his house twice a week for him because he didn't like to.

Joe was considered a go-getter. He didn't like to depend on anyone for transportation so he walked everywhere. You could always see him walking to the AVC building to talk to his friends or waling to the church or to the store. Whenever he owed any bills, they always had to be paid right away even when his daughter just got out of bed. Quite often Joe used the senior citizens bus to do his business in High Prairie. His travelling companions miss him because he like to talk and because he was so outgoing.

Whenever his daughter, Yvonne wanted to borrow money to go to bingo he always told her, "Yvonne quit going to bingo." He felt that she would lose all her money and possessions.

I remember him as a dignified old man because he looked so honorable with his beaded clothing which include a tie, sash, belt and leggings. My memories of him are scant but his family are left with many memories both good and no so good. He will be missed by them.