Sydney Kirkness passed away suddenly, Monday, July 26, 2010 at the age of 59 years in Fisher River, Manitoba. Sydney was born in Fisher River, Manitoba, Saturday September 2, 1950 but resided with his wife and son in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. His passion in life was painting which lives on in many homes and collections around the world. Although Sydney had a challenging youth, he was always open for new friends, old friends and above all his family which was often reflected in his happy-go-lucky demeanour. One of his many talents was his ability to turn a simple meal into a big feast which often brought his family together. As part of that family, he took great pride in personally caring for his father-in-law at the Rod McGillvary Memorial Care Home as well as all the other residents and work family by whom he will be greatly missed. He will be dearly missed by all his loved ones in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Fisher River First Nation, Peguis and many in Saskatchewan, Ontario and New York City. Sydney is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Agnes Kirkness; daughters, Shelly (James) Cowley-Lathlin, Devera (William) Kirkness, Aarika (Erland) Kirkness and Lawson (Harriet) Kirkness; his beloved grandchildren, Corey, Mary Lou, Daniel, Carey, Tameka, Cynthia, Annika, Sheldon and Eden; brothers, Fred (Sharon), John (Tina), Clarence (Nancy); sister, Wanda; aunts, Alma Asham and family, Janet Thompson and family, Hilda McKay and family; father-in-law Albert Cowley; sisters-in law, Matilda (Antoine) Lathlin, Blanche (Dean) Cowley-Head, Elaine (Allan) Sutherland, Beverley (Howard) Wilson, Agnes Cowley, Marlene Cowley; brothers-in-law, Richard (Diane) Cowley, Steven (Roz) Cowley. He also leaves many fond memories in the hearts of his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including Scott Murdock and Linda Buchanan whom we lovingly adopted into our family. Sydney has gone ahead to be with the Creator; and his grandfather Thomas Thickfoot; father Lawson Thickfoot; mothers Margaret and Caroline; sisters Louise, Rose; uncles Clarence Kirkness, Albert Thompson, Walter Thickfoot, Edward McKay, Reggie Kirkness; mother-in-law, Mary Cowley; brothers-in-law Ernest Cowley, Walter Cowley; and many other uncles, nieces and nephews. Sydney, although you have not completed your final painting in life, may you finish it in the afterlife with God by your side. Wake Services Saturday, July 31, 2010 – Church of Messiah Opaskwayak, Manitoba Sunday, August 1, 2010 – at the residence of Alma Asham Koostatak (Fisher River), Manitoba Funeral Service Monday, August 2, 2010 – 2 p.m. To be held at the residence of Alma Asham Presider: Pastor Joe Clarke Interment Steven’s Memorial United Church Cemetery Koostatak, (Fisher River), Manitoba Pallbearers Sons – Lawson Kirkness and Scott Murdock Cousin – Gerald Hart Friend – Wayne Manningway Co-worker – Gordon Young Best man – William J. Lathlin (Shorty) Honorary Pallbearers Staff and residents of Rod McGillvary Memorial Care Home, all Sydney’s friends and extended families.