When you live a life like Donald ‘Scotty’ Odjig Fisher did, the memories you leave behind are only a part of your legacy.
The first recipient of a COVID-19 vaccine in Northeastern Ontario passed away Feb. 27 at the age of 94.
Known for his sense of humour and deep love of his community, Odjig Fisher’s roots make up the foundation of Wiikwemikoong.
He’s in the waters that surround the Island which he sailed as chief engineer on The Philip R. Clark, in the lands that he ran on, that he tended, logged and fought for when he entered World War Two and volunteered to become a paratrooper.
As a member of the 1st Canadian Paratroop Battalion, Fisher was sent overseas on Christmas Day, 1944. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and on March 17, 1945, he crossed the Rhine River, fighting for his country until the end of the war.
Of course, he did so as Donald Fisher, having changed his name to enter the war without the approval of an Indian Agent, which was required at the time.
The beloved Wiikwemkoong community leader was not only the recipient of the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Union of Ontario Indians, but the first COVID-19 Vaccine recipient in Northeastern Ontario.
His health had not been the best for a little while, but even then, when his strength was leaving him, he still found a way to be an elder in his community. To lead by example to combat any fears of the vaccine.
Friends spoke of him on that occasion as Sudbury.com featured a story on Odjig Fisher. Patricia Ryan, long time friend of Odjig Fisher, said at the time, “Don is a fun-loving extrovert. He never hesitated to voice his opinions and had no time for people who complained but did nothing to change a situation. He is smart, well-read and kind. He does not suffer fools and demands the best from everyone. If Don was running anything, you knew it would be done the right way, and efficiently.”
Odjig Fisher was also a passionate athlete, a marathon runner who encouraged the young people of his community to take up the sport.
He also coached and organized minor hockey and the jewel that is Thunderbird Park is credited to his work. Additionally, his love of both golf and his community would combine to be one of the driving forces behind Rainbow Ridge Golf Course.
After leaving his mark sailing on the Great Lakes, Mr. Fisher began work with Indian Affairs as a government advisor, first in Manitowaning, then moving to the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising when those services.
He then served as a band councillor for 16 years in Wiikwemkoong, and travelled to warm places such as Barbados, Fiji, New Zealand, Mexico and Hawaii before becoming a regular “snowbird” to Florida.
His loss will not only be a great one for the community of Wiikwemikoong, but for his family as well.
Mr. Odjig is survived by his children Rick Fisher (Odjig), Allison Fisher, Mike Odjig (Angel), Stephen Odjig (Sarah), Robin Cooper (Tom), Raymond Trudeau (Dawn) and Robert Trudeau (Lynda). Predeceased by his son Donald Jr. and siblings Daphne, Winnie, Stanley, Lena, Lorraine, Rita and Rose Marie. Survived by siblings Franklin, Marcella, Wilfred, Patsy, Ronnie, Gordie and Clayton. Also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
To honor his wishes, there will be no wake or funeral service. A celebration of life will take place June 18, 2021 at the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course in honor of his 95th birthday.
