Our neighbour Evrett King, yes, those Kings, died yesterday.
Before we lament his loss - with his partner Evelyn and family, who cared for him, without question, to the end, I will try to recount his story.
Born in 1955, Christian Island, his Mum died when he was two and half. Twelve sisters and two brothers. Attended school in Midland. Ran away to the Army. The dry details at the end.
The Kings, The Roi’s, Roys - c’est toute la même chose, as they say, it’s all the same.
Loyal to King, Crown, and Country since before 1812. Each a member of family, clan, or confederacy, unchanging in their faith in the Great Spirit.
Told the Great Father would take care of them, his people came to Upper Canada at the behest of the Crown, who would provide.
They were promised, land, on the same footing as other loyal subjects. They got big medals too.
In spite of not having any of the oaths fulfilled by the Crown, his forefathers, kept their word and today Evrett, and others keep their word.
We offer the shell-shocked help, but forget the injured children littered everywhere. The shell of his life has dropped away, only a wisp of smoke remaining. We say, "What is the measure of a man?"
Evrett had a keen sense of who he was.
In spite of all the hardships he encountered, his indomitable spirit overcame his afflictions. It is in this man we find common cause with suffering. He lived, we knew him and we knew his power.
Thunder that comes from the south and portends change and storms. Miskwaabiigajijaakwe, South Thunder, we recognize his sign in Thor or Jove. Natural leader in tracking, mapping and guiding with his regiment,The Princess Pats. Grandfather Award for Respect from his community.
He now paddles the starry way through the heavens.
What is the measure of a man we ask?
René Hackstetter Jan 22, 2021.
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