Kevin Ryan Paquachan

On a spring day on Friday, April 4^th, 1975, after his mother Marjorie’s bus run, a beautiful and precious baby boy was born into Allan Paquachan’s family – Kevin Ryan Paquachan. Kevin completed the family, which included sister Jacqueline (Jackie) and brothers Fenton, Keith, Giles, and Jeffrey. 

Kevin was referred to as Marjorie and Allan’s baby. He so dearly loved his Mom and Dad. He would tell stories of the times he shared with his Dad, about the trips, meetings they attended together, horse races they betted on, and the lessons he learned from him. He would often mention how much he missed his Dad. Kevin and his Mom had a strong bond. He provided for her – cooked meals, took her out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, travelled with her to the cities, and helped her with the garden. After cooking her breakfast, his day would begin with, “Good morning, Mom. How was your sleep?” It was his mom that he wanted by his side when he was sick. The bond that Kevin has with those nearest will never fade. 

Kevin’s relationship with his sister was special. They were 10 years apart. She saw him as her baby and little boy, and Jackie loved it when he would accidently call her mom. She recalls taking him as an infant, wrapped in a moss bag, into the empty school bus to have him all to herself. She never minded having Kevin by her side. In subtle ways he would remind his sister to take care of herself and to visit, and he often told her that he was proud of her and her accomplishments. 

Kevin had also had a unique relationship with each one of his brothers. He played competitive sports with them (curling, fastball, slow-pitch, and golf), and they won many tournaments. Kevin also hunted, tracked game, trapped, fished, and camped with his brothers. He would snare rabbits on his own. He was considered the best moose and elk caller, and deer rattler amongst them. He often described himself as a provider for his family, and he always honoured the animals that gave their lives for our sustenance by offerings of tobacco and thanks. Kevin’s taxidermy work was beautiful. The elk and deer antlers that he mounted on wooden plaques shaped like arrowheads were made to perfection. These will be even more cherished today. Kevin deeply loved his brothers, wanted the best for them, and they were his best friends.

Kevin loved his family and friends, and he wanted family (immediate and extended) to get along. You could see the joy in his eyes and demeanor when family came together in kindness, care, and love. Kevin’s cooking and barbeques were something to experience. He was an exceptional cook and loved trying all kinds of recipes. His day often began at 5 am as he would start making breakfast for the family. Kevin would sometimes complain that there wouldn’t be anything left for him to eat as the food disappeared quickly. 

Kevin was very intelligent, talented, and learning came easy to him, especially math and strategy. His ability to retain and remember information was amazing – he had a sharp memory and would jokingly correct you if your account of things was incorrect. All this made him a skilled poker player. His ability to bluff often had him on the winning side. Putting winning aside, these gatherings were about community, sharing laughter, and making memories together. His laughter and contribution to story was enduring and infectious. 

Kevin was a skilled worker. He worked on elevators as a construction worker, in transport, iron work, and carpentry, and he helped build the community school. He had his class 1 licence and did not feel good about the physical limitations that left him unable to work as he once did. But he dreamed. His dream was to someday own his own restaurant. 

Being in nature, with family, and in faith filled Kevin’s soul. He loved his many nieces and nephews and saw them as his children and counted their children as his grandchildren. He mentored in a kind and caring way when he had the opportunity. His Aurora-awis was his little girl and clearly had his heart. To his family, friends, and Elders in the community, Kevin was generous, sensitive, big-hearted, and he disliked injustice and unwarranted cruelty. This care was evident when it came to his relationships with his kittens (Rosie and Howie). Rosie doted on Kevin and Kevin doted on Rosie. This cat stood by his side when Kevin was sick and unwell, and he loved her for that. Kevin’s gentleness and kindness will be missed.

He is predeceased by his dad Chief Allan Paquachan, grandparents Andrew and Helen Paquachan, and many other family and friends.

Kevin not only showed us how to live, he taught us how to live well.