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We will publish any CCFN obituaries submitted to us

Jean Eunice Morrison (White)

IN TORONTO APRIL 18th, 2002, Jean Eunice Morrison, passed away peacefully after a ten year struggle with cancer, by her side was her beloved husband of 59 years William R. Morrison. She was a dear Mother to son William and his wife Krystyna and much loved Nana to Billy Jr., Kyl, Jordan and Marya. Jean was the daughter of deceased parents Dinah and Robert White formerly of Chapleau also predeceased by sisters Mary, Elisabeth (Betty), baby Jessie and brothers William and John (Jokey), she leaves brothers Donald of Hamilton and Ian and his wife Daphne of London.

Jean was born and educated in Chapleau. She attended the old Public and High Schools; she was also a member of St John's Anglican Church, and an elder of Chapleau Cree First Nation. Jean was an active and respected supporter of Al-anon where her sponsorship will be greatly missed. Interment will be in Chapleau Cemetery in late May.

Douglas Ritchie

PEACEFULLY, IN WHITBY, MARCH 16, 2002, Douglas Ritchie. Doug was retired from the CPR's Agincourt shops, and previously the Chapleau's CPR shops. He leaves behind his wife, Mabel (Collings), and sons Larry (Fox Lake) and Kevin (Whitby).

Doug spent time in the Canadian Armed forces as an MP during WWII. Earlier, with Amon Saylors, his uncle and others he hunted and trapped along much of the Chapleau river and in the area now known as the Chapleau Game Preserve. Much of his time in the Chapleau area was spent at the Ritchie camp, built by parents Allan Ritchie and Bella (Saylors). The camp, situated at the tip land dividing the 'front' and 'back' rivers is the last remaining building on the original Chapleau Cree reserve.

Jerry Mercier - January 14, 2001

At his home on the Fox Lake Reserve near Chapleau, Ontario at the age of 60 years.
Born William Huey Grant, and known as Jerry, and Jerry boy, son of Robert (Bob) Mercier,
and Josephine (Nee Sailors). Dear brother of Steven, Joan, Chummy, Gail, and Mary.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Foundation.

Click here to read a bit about Jerry.
And also here for memories from Ian Fortin...

Jerry McAuley - October 16, 2001

At his home on the Fox Lake Reserve near Chapleau, Ontario at the age of 65 years.
Nominated for Chief of the Chapleau Cree First Nation.
Son of Alexander and Isabella McAuley (nee Turner); brother of Joseph
Turner (wife Margaret-Ann, predeceased,) and brother of Marian McAuley
and Margaret Rose Armstrong,and brother to Rodney and Arthur McAuley.
(Click link above for more...)

Memories of Jerry - from Betty Potts-Sawyer

Hi Lark, I have written a few things I remember about Jerry.

I don't remember when I first met Jerry, he was always "just there".
When we were little, we all lived together in a little log house by the river at Nemegos. We all went to a 1 room school and Jerry would often leave for school earlier than anyone else to start the fire in the wood stove. By the time the rest of us arrived at school it was toasty warm. As children we had a happy time at Nemegos and my memories will always be with me. Previous to the 1 room school where Mrs. Shoup taught, Jerry went to the school car where Mr Bell taught. Later in life Jerry would speak of the school car and the Bell family with fond memories. He went on to high school in Chapleau and boarded at Bignuccolos. Jerry made many life long friends throughout his high school years. When I was in grade 9 and Jerry was in grade 12 I had no date for the prom so Jerry took me. He was there to drive me to the hospital for the birth of my first child and he was also Godfather to her.

When Chapleau Cree had their 100th anniversary Jerry was the perfect host up at Moosonee. Opening up his home and providing meals and entertainment for us. A book could be written about Jerry. He was so kind. What I remember mostly about Gerry and all the McAuley family was the sense of humour and laughter in their home. They will all, always be in my heart.

Betty Potts-Sawyer