William Googoo
Born In: We'koqma'q
Passed in: Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: March 17th, 2014
William Googoo, 89, Millbrook Mi'kmaw Community, passed away peacefully with family and friends by his side, on Monday, March 17, 2014, at the Colchester Community Health Centre, Truro, N.S.
Born in We'koqma'q, he was the son of the late Michael (Tata B.) and Ellen (Kiju) (Sylliboy) Googoo, and the eldest of 13 children and six foster children. William dedicated his life to mastering the art of basket making. As a young child he was taught the importance of the craft by his mother as both an art and a way to make a living. Both he and his late wife Alice perfected the craft and made it their lives work to keep traditional Mi'kmaw basket weaving alive. Together, the basket duo passed on their skills to hundreds of crafters as well as provided nationally acclaimed pieces of art for all to enjoy.
Family was very important to William. He spent much time over the years fishing with family and hunting in the Cape Breton highlands with his brothers, nephews and nieces.
William was a very actively involved member of the Sacred Heart Church, a veteran of the Second World War, member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Truro Branch; and was a strong presence at community events, powwows, and a regular on the community's annual pilgrimages to Ste. Anne de Beaupre, Quebec. He was a well respected elder of the Millbrook Mi'kmaw community with a great smile, sense of humour and stories that will never be forgotten.
William is survived by son, Michael (Marlene Cope), Millbrook and foster son, Cecil Condo, We'koqma'q; sisters Germaine (Philip) Martin, Millbrook; Mary (late Andrew) Bernard and Geraldine (late Michael) Paul, We'koqma'q; Anna (Francis) Pierro, Wagmatcook; brother, Bernie (Phyllis) Googoo and foster brother Henry Googoo, We'koqma'q; foster sisters Barbara Matheson, Maine; Matilda (Frank) Koopman, Elmsdale; Bridget Marshall, Potlo'tek; sisters-in-law, Pearl (Gabriel), Mary Victoria (Ryan), Priscilla (Alex), Betty (Stanley); grandchildren, godchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his little best friend (dog) Tiny; brother, Michael and sisters, Annie and Alice, in infancy; paternal grandparents, Peter and Mary (Cope) Googoo, We'koqma'q; maternal grandparents, Gabriel and Harriet (Marshall) Sylliboy, Eskasoni; wife Alice (Thomas) Googoo, Millbrook; brothers Gabriel, Ryan, Alex, Stanley, all of We'koqma'q; foster brothers, Wayne and Donald, We'koqma'q; foster son, Albert Julian, We'koqma'q; and grandson, Michael, Millbrook.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro, N.S. William will be resting at the Millbrook Seniors Centre, 841 Willow St., after 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, with a Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26 Tribute Service on Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014, 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Millbrook, with Fr. Francesco officiating. Burial to follow in church cemetery. Meal/Salite' to follow at the Millbrook Community Hall.
Online condolences may be made at www.ColchesterCommunity.com.
