Gabriel Packo

Gabriel was born Wednesday, June 26, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Manitoba. He lived in grand Rapids, Cedar Lake, then moved to Easterville in 1964. He resided in Easterville until the time of his death. Gabriel was united in marriage to Marie Lambert, September 9, 1957 in Moose Lake, Manitoba. Gabriel loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly, a smile lit up at the sight of each and every one of them. Gabriel enjoyed listening to Gospel, Cree Hymns and fiddling music. He competed in many square dancing and jigging competitions and won. He’s acquired quite a collection of trophies and medals. Gabriel travelled to many surrounding communities to partake in summer and winter festivals and it was during his time in these communities that he made many friends. Over the years many of them became very close and dear to him. He was always the first to offer his help with various community functions in the community. He started fishing at age 14 and helped his father throughout his childhood. He did not get an education, but was rich in the education of life by way of hard work, survival skills and importance of family. Although Gabriel lived a hard life, his rewards were, the ability to provide for his family, the love he had for his wife and children, and his love of the life he led. He was a commercial fisherman until the age of 70. He was also a trapper and a hunter and those were his means of providing for his family. Gabriel passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at his home, at the age of 74 years. Gabriel is survived by his sons Robert Gabriel of Winnipeg, Glen Foster and Derek Michael (Linda) of Easterville; daughter Sheila Rose of Easterville; grandchildren Clifford Gabriel of Moose Lake, Floyd Darren, Lee Gabriel, Justin Michael Robert, Linden Derek Kyle, Rio Shaye, Jessica Rose, Kylie Rose all of Eaterville; great grandchildren Sasha Mercedes, Kalan Chance of Easterville; and Gabriel’s special friend Sally Bourassa of Easterville. Gabriel is also survived by brothers Albert (Leona) Packo, Ben Packo, William (Josephine) Packo; sisters Rozina McAuley, Marie LeGault, Margaret (George) Dicks, Hazel Stevens, Winnie Gabriel; brothers-in-law Douglas Lambert, Joseph (Clara) Lambert, Albert (Olive) Lambert, Norman (Sylvia) Lambert; sisters-in-law Rose Ballantyne, Florence (Sam) Ettawakapow, Ethel (Garfield) McKay and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and godchildren. Gabriel was predeceased by his wife Marie, December 1992; parents Albert and Elise Packo; father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Bella Lambert; brothers Boniface Packo, Richard Norbert Packo; daughter-in-law Ellen Packo; nieces Karen Beardy, Gloria Balantyne, Marlyn Ballantyne; nephews John Packo, Harold Packo, Allan Packo, Wilfred Packo, Vincent Lambert, Clarence Ettawakapow, Bernanrd Ettawakapow, Robert Lambert; brothers-in-law Andrew Buck, Sam Lathlin, Leonard Ballantyne, Alfred Lambert, John Lambert; sisters-in-law Phyllis Packo, Flora Packo, Stella Buck, Pauline Lathlin, Shirley Lambert, Isabel Bloomfield; and godson Jordan George. Active Pallbearers Clifford Packo, Darren George, Lee George, Justin George, Denny Packo, Richard Packo, Marvin Ballantyne, Vincent Scott, Harvey Scott, Sidney Brass, Thomas George, Daryl Packo Honorary Pallbearers Linden Packo, Rio Packo, Chance George, Derek Packo, Glen Packo, Robert Packo, Albert Packo, Ben Packo, William Packo, Mallory Umpherville, Walter Umpherville, Sherrie McKay, Albert Young Sr., Rochelle Rempel, Melissa Scott & family, Lorraine Scott, Sandra Scott, Amelia Scott, Earl Scott, Eleanor Scott, Gabriel’s family and friends too numerous to mention.