Joseph Couture

Joseph Couture

Joseph Couture Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 19 to Jun. 20, 2007.
COUTURE, Joseph E. Dr. It is with great sadness that Dr. Joe Couture began his journey to the spirit world last evening (June 15, 2007) at the hospital near his home in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. As many of you know, Dr. Joe was a respected Elder, cultural advisor, educator, academic and psychologist, who contributed significantly to the education, health and well-being of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples for many decades. In March of this year, he received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award which honoured his lifetime accomplishments. Dr. Joe was an inspiration for many of us and his heartfelt love for people will continue to nourish his spirits as he journeys home to the Creator. Joe will be forever remembered by his wife Ruth; his daughters, Joanna, Christa; step daughter Kathleen Manko; grandson Josh; brother Ted Couture. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church of the First People, 10821 - 96 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, with public visitation beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Albert Catholic Church, 7 St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert, Alberta. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial Donations in memory of Joe can be made to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute or to the Indigenous Media Institute of Canada c/o the Bank of Montreal. Connelly-McKinley Ltd., 10011-114 Street, (780) 422-2222, to send condolences: www.connelly-mckinley.com

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July 7, 2007

Trish Merrithew-Mercredi posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2007

Sandra Cairns posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2007

Linda Soluk posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Trish Merrithew-Mercredi

July 7, 2007

Ruth -

It has been a number of years since I met you or had the opportunity to visit with Joe but I will always remember Joe's humor, compassion, intelligence, and spirit for life. I had the opportunity to fast with him at Calling Lake many years ago and it is an experience which influenced and will continue to influence me to the end of my life. My late husband was also very fond of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls.

Trish Merrithew-Mercredi

Sandra Cairns

June 28, 2007

It was an amazing learning experience for me just to sit and watch Joe - how he moved, what he watched, how he worked with people. I always remember him putting someone out on a fast and watching the Absolute Love and Compassion he brought to that faster. I was in awe and honoured to have caught a glimpse of something that seemed so close to our source. Although I have not seen him in a long time, I always felt like it was just a short while ago, and I might see him again any day.
Ruth, Joanna and Christa, I have asked about you many times through a mutual friend and sent her a copy of Christa's CD. Ruth, the committment and life that you and Joe shared have always been a guiding light and a reminder that this world is full of wonders and exceptional people.
Blessings
Sandra Cairns
Yukon

Linda Soluk

June 27, 2007

I worked with Joe at Athabasca University. He was the most nicest person I had ever met. He would always take the time to talk to you. I would run into him up at Calling Lake and have a coffee and gab. What a loss for your family and enjoy the memories.
(friend from Ahabasca)

Shaun & Franny Hodgson

June 23, 2007

Dear Ruth, Christa, Joanna & Family,

We were deeply saddened to hear of Joe's illness and his passing. Joe was an inspiration to both of us over the years because he was such a intelligent, wise, compassionate, industrious and spiritual man. His blessing at our wedding many years ago has carried us through many troubled times. We have had the privilege of knowing him as both friend and teacher, and we shall carry him in our hearts always. We have all lost a great man, but you have also lost a great husband and father. Our prayers are with you.

Jane Maze

June 20, 2007

I will never forget Joe Couture and the spiritual support and guidance he gave me at a very dark and difficult time in my life. He leaves this world a better place for his being here. God bless you, Joe, and all who grieve his passing.

Susan Kendal Urbach

June 20, 2007

Joe Couture was simply "Christa's dad" to me. He was always solidly there: a truly a remarkable, welcoming, loving man who fathered my favourite woman and dear friend. I send blessings for his spirit on the journey ahead. To Ruth, Joanna and Christa, love and strength and grace to you. I am truly there is spirit as you celebrate Joe's life.

Ed Connors

June 20, 2007

We were saddened to hear that Joe has travelled on to the spirit world but strengthened by our knowing that he will forever guide us from that side. We conducted a ceremony at the Enaahtig Healing Lodge in Ontario on Tuesday evening to honour Joe's life and offer our prayers for the journey of his spirit.

Patti Bell

June 20, 2007

Ruth/Christa & Joanna - it was with great pleasure that I met your Husband/Father. What an inspiration to people of all cultures.
Big Hugs

Kelly Parnett

June 19, 2007

Dr Joe has been a powerful force in the life of the men I worked with inside prison. He provided a way for them to be in the world many of them had not learned about. He brought wisdom and teachings and shared them willingly with all of us who were so very blessed to have worked with him. Dr Joe you touched my life and taught me more about the aboriginal worldview than anyone I have ever met. I am grateful for the opportunities we had to spend time together.

Tracey Makokis

June 19, 2007

Dr. Joe was a very knowledgeable, kind man who always took the time to share and teach with others. He will be missed.

Yvonne Richardson & Family (nee Couture)

June 19, 2007

Ruth: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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Sign Joseph Couture's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 7, 2007

Trish Merrithew-Mercredi posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2007

Sandra Cairns posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2007

Linda Soluk posted to the memorial.