Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about a respected elder who passed away on February 26, 2010. Billy Enzoe is a good friend to all the residents of Lutselk’e. Billy was born on January 10, 1930, and lived off the land. He hunted and trapped throughout his years, but his greatest passion was fishing. Billy was well known for his fishing skills and it was not uncommon for Billy to put all his children in his boat and go to his fish camp.
Billy lost both his parents at a very young age. This contributed greatly to the Billy Enzoe many people in Lutselk’e knew, loved and respected. He loved his family very much and did what he could to instil strong values, education, family and spirituality within them. However, the most important value he believed in was respecting the land, living off the land and using the land.
As a young man, Billy travelled all over working in many fishing camps throughout the East Arm. Billy was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Liza Enzoe, his parents, Leon Enzoe and Coraline Wedzin, his brothers and sisters, Liza Casaway, Helen Marlowe, Marie Casaway, Elizabeth and Joseph. He is survived by his children Terri, Pete, Rosie, Dora, Jerry, Annette, Patrick, Gabe, Gloria, Delphine and Jessica, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, the last time I spoke with Billy was at Maurice Lockhart’s 99th birthday party. I sat down with him and Billy told me he wasn’t well. He said he had no fear of dying. He said he raised his children to the best of his abilities and prepared them for life ahead. He said he had comfort in knowing that all his children were ready to make their lives without him. He said he always spoke to his children about the importance of family.
Mr. Speaker, Billy will be sorely missed by his family and by all the residents of Lutselk’e, but his family should take comfort in knowing that he looked forward to joining his wife, Eliza. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
