Joseph Charles Richard

Surrounded by his loving family, Charlie made his journey to the spirit world on Sunday October 15, 2023. Born February 8, 1938, in Sandy Bay First Nation. Charlie had many great enjoyments in his life. One of his greatest was the love he had shown his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, he always ensured that no one went with out and showed them the meaning of family. Charlie started his day with prayers both the traditional way and with the rosary, he was a man of his faith; he never missed a day to give thanks. Charlie enjoyed spending his mornings and part of the afternoons at the Elders Centre in Sandy Bay, where he would work along side other elders sharing the language, teaching the language, history of the community as well as surrounding areas, traditional knowledge, traditional medicinal knowledge, family lineage and developing the first Ojibway Dictionary within the community. In the early 2000’s Charlie was given the title of Master Language Speaker as he was one of the Elders that carried the old language; He was often interviewed and called upon by community members for translation clarification.

Chalie was raised by his grandparents after the passing of his mother, and when they passed, he was raised by his aunt Hilda Francis and his uncle Joe and auntie Sarah as he grew to be a teenager.

He was a gifted storyteller, often his stories were very humorous, every one of his family members can share and recall a good laugh they had with him; he had a photographic memory of events that took place in his life. When he was a young man before people had TVs, he would be asked to go to different homes to tell Nanabush Stories/Anishinaabe Stories.  He also loved going to pow wows and would often be asked to say the opening prayer or be part of the grand entry.

Charlie also was actively involved in the yearly Sundance’s he would join the family during that time, he also attended the many Pow Wows where he met a lot of people who became dear friends over the years.

 He started to work at an early age to help provide for his family; In his younger years he worked on farms with big combines; he was a provider not only for his family but also helped others in need.  Charlie also worked on the railroad and worked in many places in his life from BC, NWT, the USA, to Quebec.

 His Uncle Joe taught him how to fish; fishing was a huge part of his life. He truly enjoyed teaching his sons, son-in-law and grandchildren how to fish and fillet. Charlie knife skills came natural, the way he would cut fish made the process of cutting look effortless, so skilled and precise every single time.

Charlie was an avid fisherman, hunter, trapper, medicine harvester, carpenter, mechanic, champion jigger, & traveler.  Charlie enjoyed dancing with his wife, going on outings and picnics in the mountains.

An active member of the community to his last day; Charlie was a community board member for various departments such as language, economic development, CFS, School Board, Elders Council.  As a young elder he was Chairman for the Council of Elders for 18 years where he organized many travels and events.

Predeceased by: his beloved Verna Doreen Richard, mother Lousia Beaulieu, father Alexander Richard, grandparents Albert & Ester Beaulieu, brothers Basil Beaulieu, Henry Richard, sisters Velma Devoura, Mary Heiri , aunt Hilda Francis, uncle Joseph Adelarde Beaulieu, aunt Sarah Beaulieu, aunt Mary Beaulieu, sister Lydia Malcom (nee Beaulieu)

Survived by his children Chickadee Richard (Tony), Debra Coyne (Ricky), Gerald Richard (Heather), Darlene Richard, Darren Richard, Sharon Courchene (Eric), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Siblings Linda Brock, Katie, George, Joevine, Georgina, Sandra, Maurie, Karen, Wayne, Loreyanne, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Would you please send your best angel for Our Grandpa?

I don't want him to make this journey all alone.

Would you send the same one you sent for Our Koko?

To make sure that Our Grandpa makes it home.

When it's time for you to call Our Grandpa,

Would you please take special care with him…

And Dear Lord, would you let him die easy…

He has suffered so much here on this earth.

I know he'll be a perfect angel.

He has been a perfect Grandpa to all of us.

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