Sylvester Alex Poitra, age 88, of Rolette, ND passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Rolette Community Care Center, Rolette, ND.

It was a snowy night in November 11, 1933, when a son was born to Beatrice (Davis) (daughter of Angelique (Turcotte) and Frank Davis) and Charles Francis Poitras (son of Marie Josephine (Renville) and Joseph Knee-Crosh Poitras Jr.) would soon be orphaned as a child to 13 brothers and sisters; survive Indian Boarding Schools, be found living in a hay bale by his Uncle Ernest who took him in and taught him his love of horses, become a boxer, veteran of the Korean War, work many odd jobs including being a lineman, disarmed missiles, a owner and trainer of thoroughbred horses and school bus driver.  He would meet the love of his life, Barbara (Turcotte) (Miigis-Ikwe) Poitra, daughter of Emma (Slater) and Robert Turcotte and marry to have four beautiful daughters. Anita Joy Williamson (Ogimaa Benisi) (Brett), Reta Ann Underwood (Miskwaadesi-Ikwe) (John), Susan Annette Dionne (Biidaaban-Ikwe) and the late Denise Renee Youngbird (Madoogi Garishda Wiash) (Kevin).  His "girls" as he would often refer to them, were his pride and joy, that is until the grandkids hit the scene!  Brett Walker and Nathaniel Reed (Migizi Miigwaniginini) Williamson; Bandy Lee and Calib Payne, son's of the late Denise Renee; Jordan and Kayla Dionne, and Leslie Ann, Kelsey Leigh, and the late Taylor Charisse.  But the joy didn't stop there!  The great grandkids were special too!  Dacotah (Mashkawizi Migizi) and Kali Williamson, Bella and Hannah Poitra, Jaelan Sage (Giizisoomaskiki) and Aleister (Binesi Waasawong). He and his wife 'Barb' would play a significant role in their grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives.  If it were not for an evening supper meal, a bed to sleep or a birthday party to celebrate, their lives would not be filled with grandpa's laughter and jokes.

Thinking back as a daughter of his, we remember a man who we knew loved us and others.  We didn't always have much as in material things, but we knew we always had our dad.  A dad who wasn't only there for us by his brothers and sisters as well, even though as children they were broken up, these 14 little ones managed to stay together and love one another.  As children we would often have uncles and aunties and cousins join us at the house.  You see, as with any family growing up the way they did, they too suffered in life.  No matter the reason, dad was there, and were there as a family.

Some of the fondest memories as a family were county fairs, race tracks and our visits to Trenton.  When our grandma Emma died it was said that a person she would always remember was "Alex" when he'd visit her through her dementia.  That's the kind of impression he'd leave on a person-one you'd never forget.  During the 50+ years he and Barb were married, he'd have many good times.  Winning horse races, graduating from the Turtle Mountain Community College with a linguistic degree, visiting the Kentucky Derby and Breeder's Cup, and attending Pow-wows.  The one constant is dad's life was his ability to see the world in a positive yet truthful way.  He was up on his politics and world events, never met a stranger and always had something to share.  He worried just like any father would.  Like when his wife or any relative he heard was ill and not doing well.

The loss of the love of his life, "Barb" was difficult, however, he persevered.   His last days were spent in a good space, and he was content.  He received his spirit name a few summers ago during the Mide Lodge initiation season.  A day we will never forget.  He was so mesmerized by celebrating our ways.  He sounded the drum for the first time as an old man you see and it was like the light came back to this little boy who had been quiet for so long, he was finally freed and knew he belonged.  Ogimaa Migizi (Chief Bald Eagle) as awaken on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

A Graveside Internment of Sylvester (Alex) Poitra and wife, Barbara Ann will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Trenton Cemetery followed by a "Celebration of Life" meal at the Trenton Indian Service Area's (TISA) Community Center.  Everyone is invited.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.