Leo Yerxa

Peacefully with his best friend and love, Maxine, by his side.

Survived by Max and her critters, children Martin Yerxa (wife Cathy and son Peter), Johanna Tekawisaritha Lazore and Sean O?Neill, sister Marilyn, brothers William and Wayne and granddaughter Niiohontesha. Predeceased by his mother Frances and father Bert, brother Bob and sisters Florence, Betty, Dorothy and Joyce. He will be remembered by his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Leo was from the Little Eagle reserve near the town of Fort Frances in northern Ontario and was educated at Algonquin College and the University of Waterloo. Leo would say his best education came from our natural world.

For so many over the years, Leo was both a friend and a source of inspiration. Through his gentle, humble manner, and through his unique sense of humour, he taught many about what it means to be a strong, spiritual person. He was an internationally acknowledged artist and writer whose gifts created a bridge between the ways of the native and non-native world. Many looked upon him as a role model and a humanitarian.

Leo?s many accomplishments included designing the 1976 Olympic coins depicting track and field sports and he is the artist author of the book A Fish Tale and award winning books Last Leaf First Snowflake to Fall and Ancient Thunder.

Before moving to Ottawa, Leo hunted, fished, trapped and guided in the woods and lakes surrounding his home of Couchiching. He loved travelling and working the trapline with his dad.

Thanks to Dr Archibald and Dr Mimeault as well as nurses Therese and Peggy for their heartfelt care and reassuring presence.

In memory of Leo, donations can be made to the Wabano Centre in Ottawa. Leo would give his last coins to those he felt needed them more than he did. He would wish only that the Spirit of Giving would continue.

A burial will be held on the Couchiching reserve at a later date.