Albert McIvor

In Loving Memory of Albert “Emecon” McIvor

Spirit Name: Makede-Pinesii – Black Thunderbird

April 2, 1964 – October 1, 2025

After a long and courageous battle with diabetes, Albert “Emecon” McIvor began his journey to the Spirit World on October 1, 2025, at the age of 61. Emecon was a man of many gifts — an artist, musician, craftsman, and visionary whose creativity and spirit touched everyone who knew him. His artistic talents were vast and deeply rooted in cultural pride. He created beautiful regalia, including chest plates, bolo ties, lighter cases, beaded earrings, and representations of the Seven Teachings animals. He worked with various media to create pictures and handcrafted special gifts for meaningful occasions. Among his many creations were dreamcatchers, outdoor ornaments, and his most ambitious project — a model of the Sandy Bay Residential School. Emecon’s love for woodworking was unmatched. He could build just about anything — from sheds, barns, and store additions to unique playgrounds made from trees. Always a perfectionist, he continually reimagined and redesigned his living spaces, finding joy in challenging himself and improving on every project. His love of music began in his late teens, when he taught himself to play numerous instruments, including the guitar, resonator guitar, banjo, fiddle, accordion, and harmonica. He loved to entertain family at gatherings with his lively singing voice, performing classic country songs by Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens. Emecon also wrote and performed original songs such as “You’re the Best Sister in the World,” “Proud to Be a Native,” “Echo,” “The Radio Song (106.3),” and a special one dedicated to his wife, Norma. Throughout his life, Emecon worked in various farms around Portage la Prairie, but his heart always belonged to carpentry — where his creativity and craftsmanship shone brightest.

Emecon is survived by his loving spouse, Norma Larkins; sisters Norma (Dave) and Sandra

(Sonny); brothers Edward (Amanda), Frank, Kenny, Derek (Susan), and Sherrold

(Bungee); children Hazel (Corrine), Albert (Ethel), Amanda, Jack (Shaylene), Jeremy

(Nicole), Craig (Crystal), Anthony (Shanae), Albert Jr., Evelyn (Wesley), and Nick (Rene); and godchildren Marianne and Blake Mousseau. He will be forever cherished by his many grandchildren — James, Amber, Valentina, Athan, Joseph, Adrianna, Avin, Angelina, Billy, Jaclyn, Merissa, Isabella, Rosie, Rihanna, Jack Jr., Jackson, Amber-Lynn, Dakota, Joel, Selena, Jessica, Dwayne, and his “lil battery” and sidekick, Baby Nick — and great-grandchildren Alex and Dawson. He was also “Papa” to numerous Roulette, McIvor, and Beaulieu children, and is remembered with love by countless extended family members, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Emecon was predeceased by his parents Norbert & Hazel Doreen Roulette; brother Fabian “Sam” McIvor; sister Alison; grandchildren Donald William Spence and Sashej Beaulieu; biological parents Joseph Albert Roulette and Mary McIvor; and his first wife Arlene (née Roulette).

Wake: October 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. – Sandy Bay Complex

Funeral Service: October 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. – Sandy Bay Complex

Pallbearers: James Beaulieu, Albert Spence, Nick Larkins, Edward Houle, Joel Lake, Dwayne Lake, Wesley Lake, and Albert McIvor Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: All of Emecon’s friends and extended family.

Emecon will be remembered for his strength, humor, creativity, and the endless love he shared with his family and community. His spirit, like the Black Thunderbird, will continue to soar and watch over those he loved.