In a news release sent Thursday, the LLRIB acknowledged the passing of the late Elder Paul William Roberts, affectionately known as Bill.
Roberts was a Band Councillor for two terms with then-Chief Venne Myles in 1985 and with Chief Harry D. Cook in 1987.
Roberts was also on the Band Council of Elders for several years, representing the community of Grandmother’s Bay.
Originally from Stanley Mission, Bill lived in various different places before settling down in Grandmother’s Bay.
In the release, Tammy Cook-Searson, Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, said, “Bill’s life was an inspiration; he was a fighter and a mentor. Despite the hardships he endured at the residential school, he chose to return to his Woodland Cree roots and serve the community, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. His contributions to the band’s self-governance and his wisdom have been widely beneficial to the Membership. Bill will be deeply missed.”
Elder Bill Roberts passed away Sunday evening at the Elder Catherine Charles Long-term Care Home after battling multiple illnesses.
He was 72.
The wake will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, with the funeral taking place on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission.
(Photo provided by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band)