Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to pay tribute to the late J.B. Rabesca. He was known as Tsena. He was an orphan of Lutselk’e.
Mr. Rabesca was born on June 1, 1922, and passed away June 3, 2015. He was 93 years old. The elder J.B. was born in Otto Portage, married to Mary-Louise in 1950 in Fort Resolution and later settled in Lutselk’e together to raise their nine children. He was a humble man who lived a traditional lifestyle. He loved to hunt and trap, passed down his teachings to his children and grandchildren and countless community members near and far.
J.B. is survived by his children Alec, Nora, Joe, Michael, Allan and Fredrick, and numerous grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary-Louise; sons Eddie, Roger and Frank; grandson Rufus James and granddaughter Holly.
My sincere condolences go out to J.B.’s family and friends. He had a loving heart and always had kind words to say. He always spoke at all of the gatherings at Lutselk’e.
I’d also like to pay tribute to the late Mary Fatt of Lutselk’e. Mary Fatt was born on June 30, 1938, and passed away June 17, 2015, just before she turned 77. Mary Fatt was born in Kache and lived briefly in Yellowknife and Rocher River before settling down in Lutselk’e with her husband, Pierre, and their four children.
Mary was well known for her beautiful sewing, generosity and her traditional way of living. She loved her children and grandchildren very much and she was sure to make them moccasins, mitts and other traditional clothing to wear, and she was very fast at making them. She taught many people to sew, tan hides, make dry meat, dry fish and many other things. She was involved in many local events. She was crowned the berry picking champ.
Mary always shared her knowledge and would set aside whatever she was doing to help others. She would help raise her grandchildren and loved them dearly. Even though she was sick, she never complained about being in pain.
Mary is survived by her children, Larry, Maggie, Ron and Suzie, and numerous grandchildren and her husband, Pierre. Thank you.
