Jerry Grant Jacob Brightnose

Bluebird Man - May 22, 1995 - April 17, 2020

My name is Jerry Grant Jacob Brightnose. I was born on May 22, 1995 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I have had a few AKA’s throughout my life, the main one being Dodi. Apparently, my mom named me Dodi after Dodi Fayad, Princess Diana’s boyfriend. Funny thing is, I thought that was my real name until I was 22 years old. More recently I started using the name Jay because it seemed I was beginning my transition to adult life; I was becoming an adult.  

I would have been turning 25 next month but Creator and my father, whom I have missed for 14 years, had other plans for me. I would pray to my dad almost everyday and in my darkest moments I know he guided me through my fear and turmoil. I do not think I would have survived without him. I loved listening to stories about my Dad even if I heard the same ones over and over, it was never enough for me. I really wanted to be like him. Everyone told me I looked like him, especially my mom. She said I had many of his attributes you know funny, loving, kind, intelligent and of course, handsome. My mom always reminded me about my Dad and how he wanted the best for me. Losing my father was the hardest thing I have ever went through and was my biggest struggle. I became lost and angry, made some pretty bad choices and did some shady things, but I hope you can forgive me cause I have really tried to be a better man the last two years, I really have.

I always felt I was missing something in my life and then I met the most beautiful woman, Susie Costca Saville. Susie walked into my life with Ondrez and Lennox, they were the game changers, the ones that made me want to be a better man. But nobody, and I mean nobody prepared me for the absolute joy my baby girl Reign Marie Elizabeth brought to my life. I thanked Creator for blessing me with her every single day. I was teaching her drum songs; I wanted my baby to know her culture. I did not want my baby growing up without knowing her identity, that was especially important to me. I will miss my children, and I am thankful that they are surrounded by strong beautiful women.

I enjoyed life; I really did! I loved attending cultural activities, sweat lodge ceremonies, I loved loved music, I enjoyed looking and sending memes to people, I loved reading current events and call my mom or aunties to discuss it further haha.  I enjoyed some parts more than others, but I learned something from every bad situation. I was ambitious and determined, I had big dreams for Susie, my kids, and my mom. I have every belief my mom will make all my dreams come true I wanted for her. My mom was my rock the only person who never let me down or turned me away. She was the one who taught me how to make things happen, Susie was the same way. A little secret sometimes I think I was gonna marry my mom because Susie was so much like her haha. 

I am sorry I am no longer here physically, but know I am here in spirit and I will always be watching over you. I am with my dad, Grandpa Ernie, Aunty Glenda, Uncle Donnie, and Uncle David. I am where I need to be. 

Jerry is survived by his partner Susie, children Ondreiz, Lennox, and baby Reign. His mom Shelley, Mother in law Elizabeth, Mama Rita Eagle, sisters Destiny, Kristy, Autumn. Brothers Tyler, Evan Gaywish (Chantel). Aunties Mary Jane, Martha, Joyce, Judy (John), Mary Ann (Hank) Pam (Glen), Candace (Chester) Shannon (James), Star, Kim Chincilla (Kevin), Claudette McCorrister (Ryan), Jackie Hart, Uncle Maurice, Uncle Ken (Cynthia) Uncle Brian (Cindy) Uncle Glen, Uncle Grant, Uncle Victor and aunty Wanda Sutherland. Great Aunts Val Wilson, Steena (Walter) Stella (Tom) Judy (Dave) aunty Tina, Uncle Carl (Wanda) Uncle Thomas (Sharon).  

His nieces & nephews meant the world to him, Dodi considered them as his own: Mackenzie, Jerry, Paityn, Ryder, Remi, Paige, Stevie, Redsky, Kylie, Piper, Ava, Baby Tyler, and Baby Saylor

Special cousins Curtis, Grant (Jadine), Ainslie (Rich) Amber, Phoenix Dominic, Felicia, Claire, Melvin, Rachal, Deeanne, Dayna, Candace, Nicole, Warren, John (Daisy), Kayla, Gina and many more.

To my many friend’s past and present you will forever be a part of my life, you helped write my story the good, the bad, and the ugly. You all touched my heart and made me who I am. Thank you for the laughs, the love, and all the beautiful memories we shared. Love and cherish your family, children, and friends everyday.

                The family would like to thank Peguis First Nation, Peguis School Board, Peguis Treatment Centre, Skownan First Nation,      Mitch Bourbonniere, Jill Wilson, Marie Campeau, Corrine Chief, Sheldon Cote, Linda Dano-Chartrand,  Lise Bear, Garnet Stevenson, Michael Maytwashing, Sara McGowan, Rosemary (Whoopi) Flett (His adopted mom), Des Knight, Max Thunder Wilson, Daryl Wastesicoot, Rose Liv, Tessa Ballantyne, Mindy Everette, Barrett & Erin, Pam Bagri, Chelsea Catcheway, Boomer, Justin Stevenson, Racheal Hart, Vince & Barb Salter. Thank you Brandy for your knowledge, love, donation, especially your kindness. Aunty Kim for making the traditional shirts. Alicia Santos for being there for the family. Thank you to the fire keepers Curtis James, Glen Wilson, Brian Campbell, Kristy Wilson, Autumn Brightnose, James Sutherland, Barrett Desjarlais, Grant Brightnose and Riley Chartrand.

Thank you to all the people who donated flowers, who dropped by and gave their love, to the people who sent messages, texts, phone calls you humbled us in or time of sorrow. 

Thank you, Justin Wilson, for giving me my last haircut you made me look good!

“Say a prayer for me” Ishea! ~ Dodi 

A private viewing will be held. Cremation to follow. A service to celebrate his life and interment will be held in Nelson House First Nation at a later date when it is possible.

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