Guest Book

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published.


Guestbook Submission

In Memory of
Vernon Roote
November 1, 1948 – August 4, 2023 - Age 74

Obituary

Roote, Vernon began his journey to the spirit world at the Chapman House, Owen Sound, on Friday August 4th, 2023. Vernon Roote of Saugeen First Nation in his 75th year. Loving dad to Mark Roote and Marsha Roote, brother to Lori Kewaquom (Jim). Papa will be sadly missed by Maddy, Alex, Aiden and Ryder. Vernon will be fondly remembered by his nieces, Heather and Erin, nephew Dalton, and their children.

Predeceased by his parents Uriel and Gretta, his grandparents Alex, Isabella, Livingston and Roseanne.

Vern’s devotion to his community was demonstrated through his work as Chief and a member of Council over a 30 year period. He was instrumental in the recent successful Eastern Boundary Land Claim (north Sauble Beach), which began in the 1970’s.

He went on to become Deputy Grand Chief and eventually Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians (Anishinabek Nation) for 12 years leading 42 communities, at the time, where his focus was Wiidooktaadwin (Nation Building) for those communities.

Vernon was committed to the Raindance Lodge as a pipe carrier, language carrier and lodge keeper. He was devoted to this way of life and practiced his teachings regularly. He loved sharing his knowledge with others, especially youth, encouraging and guiding others to walk a good path.

He was passionate about his extra curricular activities that included restoring classic cars, playing pool, and in his earlier years baseball and stock car racing.

Vernon loved his language, community and people. His presence will surely be missed by all who knew him.

All are welcome to visit Vernon at the James Mason Community Centre on Monday August 7 from 6-8pm and Tuesday August 8 at the Southampton Coliseum from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A traditional funeral service, conducted by the Raindance Lodge, will be held at the Southampton Coliseum on Wednesday August 9 at 11am, followed by burial at French Bay Cemetery and feast at the James Mason Community Centre.