IN MEMORIAM: Clemence Wescoupe (1951-2018)

Ozaa~Bines

“Brown Thunderbird”

Clemence Wescoupe entered the spirit world Sunday, December 23rd, 2018 at Portage la Prairie General Hospital, at 67 years of age.

Clemence is of Saulteaux background and was born in 1951 on Long Plain First Nation. His native name is “Ozaa-Bines” which means “Brown Thunderbird”. Clemence was very passionate about his partner, his family and his art. For Clemence the world revolved around Patsy, very rarely were they apart. They shared a beautiful home. Together they enjoyed gardening, travelling, spending time with their grandchildren, watching hockey and snaring rabbits. Clemence enjoyed trips to BC with his family to visit his very close friend and art agent Nick Lebessis. Clemence and Nick were brought together through their passion for art and remained close until Nick’s passing in 2014. Clemence also enjoyed visits from his special friend Andy Hofer and daily phone calls from his special friend Ralph Whitford (Shegak). He looked forward to his visits with fellow dialysis patients, Marilia Spence and Stanley James.

Clemence was an artist, he loved to paint. In 1976 Clemence started his own graceful, flowing lines and stylized forms. The elegant image, Rainbirds, which came out in 1977 was one of the most popular and successful Woodland Aboriginal prints ever created. Clemence as a founding member of the Woodland School of Art, along with friends and fellow artists Norval Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig, Carl Ray and Jackson Beardy, leaves an impactful artistic legacy that is celebrated globally.


"Spiritual Journey",
© Clemence Wescoupe
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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Clemence and his Art Agent, the late Nick Lebessis (1953-2014), travelled together in Europe and the United States to promote Clemence’s art works. His works were sold to visitors from around the world in Nick Lebessis’ family run gallery Northern Art Impressions, in Lake Louise, Alberta. He and Nick took each other spiritually as brothers. Their families grew together as one family. Clemence subsequently had two one-artist shows with the Wah-sa Gallery and was part of many group shows with that gallery, including the June 2003 “Freshwater” show. He has also had one-artist shows at the Nicholas Gallery in Ottawa, Gallery Phillip in Toronto, Craft Guild in Montreal, Eagledown Gallery in Edmonton, an “Environmental” show in Los Angeles and solo exhibitions in Frankfurt and the University of Heidelberg. His last show being at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), which showcased over 30 of his art works.

Clemence will be lovingly remembered by his partner of 40 years Patsy, their children Jasmine (Joe), Blair and Robbie (grandson he raised), his step-children Mathew, Suzette (Dan), Bridgette (Walter), Angie (Blaine), Rachel, and Paul grandchildren he raised Gia, Zoey, Tai and Toni (Stephen). Foster children Jason, Hapa, Alyssa, Paula and Jacqueline. Also many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Clemence is predeceased by his mother Alphonzine, father John and siblings Frank, Dennis, Clifford and Rupert.

Clemence’s family would like to give an honourable mention to honorary niece and nephews Sophia and George Lebessis and their late brother John Lebessis.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the renal unit, and all the staff at the Portage General Hospital for the wonderful treatment and care they showed our Dad throughout the years.

Traditional Wake took place at Long Plain Spirit Lodge on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at 4:00 pm. 

Traditional Feast and Service was held at Long Plain Spirit Lodge on Monday, December 31, 2018 beginning at noon followed by burial at Long Plain Cemetery.

A tree was planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 
 
204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com
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Source: McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel

Reference posts:

~ Clemence Wescoupe Obituary ,
~ Great Anishinaabe/Woodland Artists (Part XIV) .

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