Vernon "Greenish" Cote

Vernon Roy Cote was born and raised on Cote First Nation.  At the age of 5 years old he attended St Philips Residential School.  In between school he was raised by his grandmother Abby Ruth Cote, whom he dearly loved.  He would often tell stories of what life was like as her grandson. After the passing of his grandmother Abby, he lived with his uncle James Eric Cote who named him “Wabekekek”- “Whitehawk”.  Vernon loved family. He often lived and spent a lot of time with his uncle Delbert Whitehawk and family and Alec Whitehawk.  Alec Whitehawk taught Vernon how to play hockey, box and hunt.  Vernon loved to hunt and often gather others for his hunting camps and trips.  He fed many families and had a great respect for the animals he hunted, as well as the men he hunted with.  Vernon completed grade 10 and attended SIIT – carpenters course in Yorkton.  He then worked as a housing contractor for Cote First Nation Housing Program.  He also learned how to operate heavy equipment and worked in the bush with Warren “Spike” Whitehawk.  Vernon was all about family and his community.  He served 3 terms as Cote First Nation Councillor and held the housing portfolio.  He worked very hard at the local, provincial and federal discussion tables to bring forward the issue of the membership.  Some of Vernon’s accomplishments were purchasing the new garbage trucks and garbage bins, renovations on several homes and was part of the team to develop new homes in what is called “District Nine”.  Vernon loved family, he thought the world of his children and grandchildren.  He spoke to his children about life and taught them the tools that they would need in life.  His children and grandchildren are who he lived for and was always straight to the point with.  He especially loved his Uncle Delbert Whitehawk and Clifford “Bertie” Whitehawk and all his cousins, brothers and sisters.  In the final weeks of Vernon’s life, he would talk with his children, brother Spike, sister Bev and the Whitehawk sisters, “Love one another and keep prayers in our lives”.

                Vernon was known for his great sense of humour and crazy attitude.  The children of Vernon ask that you remember and share his memories of humor and craziness.

                Vernon is predeceased by his grandmother, Abby Cote grandfather, Alec Whitehawk mother, Emily Cote step-mother, Dolly Whitehawk brother, Calvin Langan sisters, Corrine Langan, Evette Cote, April Cote, Elise Cote and niece, Charnel Bryant.

                Vernon is survived by his father, Langford Whitehawk, his lil love, Evelyn Cote mothers of his children, Natalie Keshane and Faye Guiboche children, Derrick Guiboche, Tamara Guiboche (Jarrod Paul), Natasha Cote, Natassjia Cote, Langford Keshane-Cote, Leah Quewezance, Tamara Quewezance and Lorne Quewezance Jr. grandchildren, Trenton Gladu, Eris and Acacia Frieze, Gabriel Guiboche, Shae-Lynn, Calvin, Christian, and Elena, Berthelette, Nyjah and Rumor Papequash, Lilith and Luca Cote, Kyleigh Kakakaway, Lance, Juaquin and Sequoia Quewezance sisters, Brenda Cote, Carol Cote, Beverly (Eddie) Severight, Pam Whitehawk, Maryanne Badger and Janice (Robert) Catcheway special cousin/brother, Warren “Spike” Whitehawk and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Wake Service held on Wednesday, October 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service held on Thursday, October 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. both service from Cote First Nation Band Hall, Cote First Nation, SK., with interment to follow at Old Cote Cemetery, Cote First Nation, SK.