Celebration of life for author Richard Wagamese to be held Saturday

A public Celebration of Life will be held for noted Kamloops author Richard Wagamese on Saturday (March 25, 2017). It will be at the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc powwow grounds starting at 11 a.m.

Following is the Kamloops Funeral Home obituary:

Richard Allen Wagamese of Kamloops, B.C., passed away on March 10, 2017 at 61 years of age.

Richard is survived by his loving life partner Yvette, his sons Jason (Jeneen) and Joshua, his ten grandchildren Dustyn, Jordan, Dee, Zoey, Koda, Chase, Erik, Montana, Torrie and Wyatt, his brother Charles (Lori) and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and legions of readers.

Richard is predeceased by his father Stanley, mother Marjorie, brother Jack, sister Jane, niece Jackie, as well as his spiritual father Jack Kakakaway.

Richard was an Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Richard’s traditional clan was the Sturgeon clan and his name was Buffalo Cloud. He was an inspiring storyteller, an award-winning writer, an accomplished broadcaster, reporter and journalist. Through his writing, many Canadians gained an awareness of the experience of First Nations people and the intergenerational legacy of residential schools.

Richard will be honoured in private ceremonies. A public Celebration of his Life will be held at the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc powwow grounds on Saturday, March 25 at 11:00 am. Those unable to attend are encouraged to honour and celebrate his life as he would – by having living room gatherings where close friends come together.

We would like to thank the many friends and family members who have offered support and love at this difficult time.

In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to your local homelessness shelter or children’s education program.

“We are story. All of us. What comes to matter then is the creation of the best possible story we can while we’re here; you, me, us, together.” – Richard Wagamese