It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Victor Neil Atwin of Kingsclear First Nation on July 1, 2022 at the Everett Chalmers Hospital after a short illness. Born in Kingsclear First Nation (Pil-Ijk), NB on February 29, 1952, he was the son of the late Everett Atwin and Rose Ann Atwin (Polchies).
Victor is survived by his wife Debbie Tomah Atwin, daughter Alana (Anthony), son Nick Sacobie (Robin), daughters Valerie Polchies (Trevor), Lori Polchies, Christel Winslow (T.J.), son Jerry Jellison (Becky), and son Byron Paul Jr. (Claudine), and daughter Tawnya Paul (Eddie); grandchildren Aidan, Isaac, Tatum, Melanie, Jesse, Dee, Grace, Rylee, Ellie, Eddie and Tanner; great-grandchildren Kaden, Robert, and G-No; special children Mikey, Felicia, and Angie. He is also remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, countless friends and colleagues. Victor is also survived by his godchildren Vincent Francis, Jared Paul, Dana Polchies, Patrick Douglas Polchies, Bert Sacobie Jr., Dustin Sacobie, Karen Sacobie, Adam Tomer, and Roseann Verner, Tatiana Martin, and a special cousin Patrick "Tyke" Polchies.
Victor is predeceased by his beloved daughter Kasey Margaret, sister Darlene Sacobie, parents Rose Ann Atwin (Polchies), and Everett Atwin, uncle Richard Polchies, aunt Mary Sabattis (Polchies), grandparents Mitchell and Margaret Polchies (Paul), Godfather and uncle Patrick Polchies and Godmother Loretta Sabattis.
A recent recipient of the Charles Solomon award, Victor was a Wolastoqey Language Keeper and elder who graciously shared his love for the language across Wolastoqey territory as a teacher. An avid, lifelong fisherman, he was born, raised, and spent most of his life on the Wolastoq River. His work as an auxiliary RCMP officer, youth counselor, and social worker showed his dedication to the health and safety of his community. Known as "Russ" and "German", Victor was also known for his legendary softball arm and his hearty laugh. He loved tending to his lawn and garden, the berry patches and trees in his yard, making wreaths for family and friends, scouting brooks and streams for new fishing spots, foraging for fiddleheads, cooking, cheering on his beloved Blue Jays and Leafs, and flipping the channels between Y&R and the WWF. But there was nothing like spending time on the Wolastoq, fishing rod and tackle box in his hand and ever-present cigarette dangling from his lips.
It gives the family some peace that Papa is finally reunited with his "Punkin", Kasey Margaret.
Resting at 110 Tomahawk Street, Kingsclear First Nation on Monday, July 4, 2022 to Wednesday July 6, 2022. A celebration of Victor’s life will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingsclear at 11:00 AM with Father Curtis Sappier officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kehkimin Wolastoqey Language Immersion School.
Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kehkimin-immersion-school
Pallbearers for the service are Chief Gabriel Atwin, Byron Paul Jr., Bert Sacobie Jr., Cyril Sacobie, Dylan Sacobie, and Derek Solomon. Honorary pallbearers are John Brooks, Jonathan Thomas, and Rick Thomas.