Jack Arthur Tootoosis, 84 left this world on February 23, 2016 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
He was born September 25, 1931 to Thomas and Mary Tootoosis (Whitford) on Poundmaker Cree Nation.
Jack accomplished many things in life and was an excellent role model for his people. He and his wife Joyce were entrepreneurs for over 40 years. They had a successful beauty salon in Poplar and Wolf Point, Montana.
Jack and his wife Joyce, were dedicated members of the Red Eagle Dakota Presbyterian Church in Fort Kipp, Montana. Jack was involved in fund raising for the church which led him to travel extensively throughout the United States of America. Jack developed life-long friendships with members of the church and community including Minister Kenneth Lehman and his late wife.
Both Jack and his wife Joyce enjoyed travelling to visit family and friends near and far.
Jack was proud of his Cree heritage and respected his culture and First Nations spirituality.
Jack’s pride and joy were his grand-children which gave him endless fulfillment; he had a humorous story about each one which he cherished.
His favorite hobby was raising and riding horses as he had a strong deep-rooted connection with these magnificent animals.
All who knew Jack loved his avid storytelling and humorous family tales.
Jack is survived by his three daughters; Doreen Rittinger of Regina, Karen Gardipy (Ray) of Saskatoon, Dorothy Myo (Richard) of Saskatoon; one sister Eva Collins (Bill) of Great Falls, Montana. Also surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews, grand-children and great grand-children who all held a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Tootoosis; sons, Byron Thomas Tootoosis, Lloyd Dennis Tootoosis; and two brothers, Francis Tootoosis and Walter Tootoosis.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, February 28 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 29 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Interment will follow at the Fort Kipp Cemetery in Fort Kipp. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.