Obituary of Walter Fredrick Stonechild

STONECHILD - Walter "Stoney Frederick Asin-awasis of Regina passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2006 at the age of 76. Walter was well known for his generous spirit and sense of humour - his corny jokes and funny stories. Many of the people he helped survive a crisis remember that he taught them how to laugh again. He was committed to improving the lives of First Nations people and of helping those suffering because of alcohol abuse or drug addiction. Walter was born December 10, 1929 on the Muscowpetung Reserve in Saskatchewan and raised on the Peepeekisis Reserve. He attended the File Hills Residential School, the Brandon Residential School and Brandon Collegiate. He worked from 1946 to 1978 in construction and became a journeyman plumber and pipefitter, working on many sites such as IPSCO, the Regina Co-Op Refinery, and Kalium Potash. In 1978 he moved on to work for the Saskatchewan Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians, Namerind Housing Corp., the Indian and Mtis Christian Reformed Church, and the Peepeekisis Band Council. He has been a friend of Bill W. since May 1, 1959. He was one of the founding members of the Native Alcohol Council (NAC) in 1969. In 1984 he helped organize the Circle Project. He was also one of the original Board members of the Regina Friendship Centre. In addition, he served as an advisor for the Department of Social Services, and as a Board member for the Regina Plains Community College, Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Training Centre, Peyakowak (They are Alone) Committee, and the Sask. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (SADAC). Most recently he was a Board member for the Regina Native Youth and was an Elder with Regina Treaty Status Indians (RTSIS) and with the Regina Alternative Measures Program (RAMP). He is survived by his wife Lynne, his daughters Kara, and Nina (Dave); his grandsons Hunter and Connor who always called him FooFoo; his sons Walter Jr., Paul, Raymond, and Woody; his sisters Millie, Bernice Desnomie, and Isabelle Dufour; his brothers James (Emily), Jeffery, and Wayne, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents James and Bella, his first wife Beatrice LaVallee, his infant daughter Karen, his daughter Annette, his sisters Dorothy Desnomie and Ila Morris, and by his brothers Leon and Dennis. The family thanks all the special friends who took time to visit or call, and also to those who sent cards and well wishes during Walters illness. Also thanks to the people at the Regina QuAppelle Palliative Home Care Services and MEDIchair who helped us care for Walter. Prayers will be held on Sunday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. A Funeral Service to be held on Monday, May 29th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eureka Fellowship Society, 1812 Arthur Street, Regina, with Rev. Arthur Anderson officiating. Interment to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Peepeekisis Methodist Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to a charity of ones choice.