WELL RENOWNED BASKET WEAVER DIES AT AGE
82
Bazil Andrew Peters - 82, Millbrook First Nation, started his
journey to the Spirit World on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Born June 16,
1932, in Bear River First Nation, he was a son of the late Chief Louis
Joseph Peters and Charlotte Pearl (McCumber) Peters.
Bazil is survived by his sisters, Doris Mudge, Digby;
Katherine Best, Saint John, New Brunswick; brother, Leo Peters,
Dartmouth; many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews,
great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Along with his parents, he
was predeceased by his partner, Edith Thomas Peters; brothers, Henry,
Freeman, Joseph; sisters, Viola, Mary, Shirley,
Lillian.
Bazil was a familiar face known to many around the world and
especially to the Mi’kmaw and First Nation people across
Turtle Island. His warm, welcoming smile and long, silvery braid
invited all to his shop, Glooscap Trading Post, in Millbrook, just off
Highway 102. Bazil had a gift and amazing skill for basket weaving. He
and his partner, Edith, were regarded and honourary members in the
craft of basketry. He was recognized for the generous contributions
and donations of his Easter baskets for the children at the IWK
Kermesse for over 40 years. As well, he was presented and recognized
with an Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneur Award.
Bazil was very proud of his Aboriginal heritage and culture,
expressing his legacy by basket weaving, speaking the
Mi’kmaw language and the traditional hair braid which he
proudly wore. He was a humble and respected Elder and storyteller. He
loved his family very much, relating stories of his childhood with his
siblings of growing up in Bear River and his days spent at the
Sanatorium in Kentville where he survived tuberculosis. Although he
may have appeared weak in body, he was in fact a man of great
conviction and strength. Bazil had a love of people and generous heart
which he showed by helping many in his community.
Although Bazil had no paternal children, he had three
Godchildren, Valerie Paradis (Peters), Terrell Mudge (Peters) and was
predeceased by his third Godchild, Michael Googoo. Bazil’s
eyes lit up when family would visit and he showed his love of music by
playing guitar, fiddle and when he made the keys on the piano sing. He
will be missed by all who knew him, but most of all by two of his
closest family, niece, Darlene Copeland and nephew, Woody Peters. A
special thank you to the staff of Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, for
making his brief stay with you warm and comfortable and a personal
thank you to the staff on his wing of "Crystal Waters" for
enjoying Bazil’s stories and being there for him. As well,
many thanks to the community of Millbrook First Nation for being so
welcoming to Bazil.
Bazil’s family will receive friends at Millbrook
Seniors’ Centre, starting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 5,
2014. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m.,
Thursday, August 7, 2014, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church,
Millbrook First Nation, Father Francesco Pirisi officiating.
Salité will follow in Millbrook Community Hall. Interment
will be held at a later date in Bear River First Nations. If so
desired, donations in Bazil’s memory to IWK Health Centre
Foundation or a charity of choice are welcomed. Arrangements have been
entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young
Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the
family by viewing Bazil’s obituary on-line and selecting
"Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com