DELBERT GUERIN

GUERIN, Delbert V.
June 11, 1938 - May 11, 2014
Born to Musqueam father Victor J. Guerin and Squamish Mother Gertrude Ettershank. Delbert spent his formative years until he was 15 years of age on the Squamish Mission Reserve (North Vancouver) with his elder sister Beverly. In ten years, his sister Beryl and brother Glenn were born and due to his mother's ill health, Del helped parent his younger siblings. Del moved home to Musqueam in 1953 and in 1960 married Frances D. Point. They were blessed and raised five children and two adopted nephews, Delbert Jr., Victor, Kim A., Thomas, Graham, grandson Graham B., Ramsay Louis, and McGary Point (Louis). survived also by grandchildren Taylor, Kweyacan, Kirsten and soon to be born great-grandchild. An entrepreneur from childhood, Delbert worked as a log salvager, commercial fisherman, then, as did his father, served over 40 years with the ILWU Local 500 as a longshoreman, retiring in 2003, breaking many production records on the docks. Politically an influential leader, Delbert was well recognized for his valued work defending Aboriginal Rights and Title, most notably, Guerin v. Regina in the Supreme Court of Canada when, with the support of the Musqueam community and in keeping with Del's warrior nature, the Guerin Case proceeded. He spearheaded the first successful case against the Crown of England, for breach of fiduciary obligation. He served his community as a member of the National Indian Brotherhood (precursor to the AFN), UBCIC, Native Brotherhood of British Columbia and as a founding member of the Alliance Tribal Council (now known as Nauts'amat Tribal Council). Delbert sang choir, travelled throughout the aboriginal territory, opened the doors of Musqueam AA meetings, and in keeping with his paternal nature, Del always extended a helping hand and drew strength from his inherent love of all genre ranges from Gospel to Ike and Tina Turner, and he loved nothing better than busting moves with Fran on the dance floor. Prayers 7:00 pm Thursday, May 15, Musqueam Community Gym, 6777 Salish Drive, Vancouver, BC. Mask Dance Friday, May 16 at 5:30 am followed by Catholic Services 10:00 am Musqueam Community Gym. Luncheon to follow.
Today I'm going to try & change the World….
Johnny Reid