Obituary of James House

James Henry House was born May 29, 1940 in Keg River, Alberta. He was the oldest of eleven children. The family settled in at the Paddle Prairie Metis colony. When James was a teenager some of the qualities that he would be known for would be evident. As expressed in a story told by his sister Rose-Marie, when the family lived in Paddle Prairie James would make orange juice for his siblings using orange peels and homemade maple syrup. James and his dad would tap local maple trees and make syrup. Another thing that James did was climb spruce trees and gather the gum and mix it with the maple syrup so his siblings would have homemade gum. James was a good role model. He tried to be a good big brother and cared for his family. He shared many qualities of his father Peter; he could be gentle and caring to others. When his father was off working James would step in to help out his younger siblings, he would make lunches, cook and try to keep everyone alive. James was a quiet person but was a story teller. He was a person that others would come to for advice; he would take the time to listen for those who needed it. He tried to be positive and preferred to be nice to people. He had his own style, he only drove trucks and walked like he always knew where he was going. The House family ended up in this area, when James and his dad were working up the Mackenzie highway on the Great Slave Lake railway. On the railway they were making $1.75 an hour. His brother Fred came to work in Dawson for $25 an hour on a union job so then most of the family moved to Pouce Coupe in 1966. James was a very hard worker who was an excellent provider for his family, and he worked all over northern BC, Alberta, and the north. He was a heavy equipment operator and was proud to have worked on the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. Work was not a game for James, it was something a person should take pride in, and it was a way to provide for his family. He would go to camp and work for 3 months and then come home and have time off. James had a sense of humor, he loved to tease any chance he could, he enjoyed life, loved music and he loved to dance. He also loved to call people by nicknames here is a list of names: Mookie Wilson, Rosa, little pucsees, crispy crunch, Stephanie Jones, Chum, Louie, Spud, Pockets, Little Rosa, Crazy girl, Dozzer, Gabe, & Chef Boy R Dee. James will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. James passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 73 years. A wake was held on National Aboriginal Day Friday, June 21, 2013, from 6:00 pm-11:00 pm at the Pouce Coupe Royal Canadian Legion Hall. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 22, at 1:00 pm at the Notre Dame Catholic Church, Dawson Creek. Fr. Michael Anyasoro officiated, Interment followed in the River View Cemetery. James was predeceased by his parents; Peter and Anne House, Brothers; Max House, Fred House, Ray House and Clyde House, and Sister; Beatrice Supernault. James is survived by his spouse; Barb McKenzie, sons; Brad (Dena) Supernault, Barry House, Brent (Charlotte) House, Bernie (Wendy) House, Brian (Stephanie) McKenzie, daughter; Brenda House, sisters; Ivy (Greg) Hudson, Rose-Marie McLeod and Margaret Benson, brothers; Alex (Lyndsay) House, and Gerry House, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many special friends. Special Memories of James presented by; Cory Lizotte. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of James to the Kidney Foundation of BC #200-4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G-4K6. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium