Paul Watts “Aazhoogoneyaash”
July 30, 1946 – May 21, 2022
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of a gentle spirit, “Aazhoogoneyaash of the Mooz Clan” Paul Watts of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. Paul entered this world, July 30, 1946 and left this world suddenly at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital on May 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Paul is survived by his loving partner of 15 years, Dorothy Parenteau, his brothers, Joe Pitchenese (Patsy), Albert Pitchenese, Louie Pitchenese (Stephanie), John Harrison (Andrea), His sisters, Esther Pitchenese, Mary Rose Pitchenese, Yvonne Pitchenese, Anita Pitchenese, Candace Esquega (Daniel), Judy Herschman, Charlene Shabequay (Rick), Cynthia Shabaquay (Raymond), his daughter, Deborah McLeod and his stepsons, Greg George, Kevin George and Jonathon Parenteau (Sandy) and many nieces, nephews, and grand children. Paul was blessed with a big beautiful, blended family, and he made each of them feel special and loved.
Paul was predeceased by his biological father William Harrison, his mother May Pitchenese, and his father Paul Pitchenese; siblings, William “Billy” Pitchenese and Darrell Shabaquay.
Early in Paul’s life, he had a great teacher, his great grandmother Kasha was instrumental in nurturing his love for the culture, which he shared generously. He was quite the storyteller in his own right, stories that might have been embellished for the children’s entertainment; for instances, Paul could cancel Christmas on any given year and had a “Honorary Spanking License”, his grandchildren said, that he never used it. Paul really enjoyed sharing of the history of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. He spent many hours visiting with community members young and old sharing his wisdom and his many gifts. Paul was a Sun Dancer and a sweat lodge keeper. He gathered berries and the occasional duck for his family. Avid outdoorsmen, Paul would sit for hours enjoying the lake or picnics near waterfalls and everyone was welcome to join.
Paul played both hockey and baseball for the Wabigoon Braves and he will be missed by his teammates as he sped around the bases, took charge behind the plate and played forward on the ice.
Paul worked at the Dryden pulp and paper mill for many years. He continued working in the logging and wild rice industry with his brothers Joe and Billy. After that he continued puttering as a mechanic and a carpenter, as he built a home for himself and his partner. The cabin and their home was always open for family and friends.
Paul was a former Chief and Councillor of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. The community will miss Paul dearly, he was a kind and respected elder, who was always there to support in a cultural way. Paul was one of the founders of the Wabigoon Lake Traditional Powwow, that has been taking place for over 35 years. He was a strong advocate for youth and education. With that passion for education, Paul was the driving force in the building of our elementary school, Waabshki Penasi School. More recently, he with a group of knowledge sharers, have been a strong part of the language and cultural revitalization efforts for the community.
Paul cherished his family, his nephews, Shane, Donovan, Conan, Josh, Otis and Tyson will be his pallbearers; Bill Parenteau, Brian McIvor, Richard McIvor Sr., Roy Napish, Bob Gardner, Alfred Parenteau will support by being honorary Pallbearers.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 2 p.m. until time of service at the Wabigoon Lake Conference Centre.
A Traditional Service will follow on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 2 p.m. with Elder Ralph Johnson officiating.
Cremation to follow and Interment will take place at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Lupus Canada or Arthritis Society through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
