Harold Kematch

On August 24, 1940 Harold Kematch, was born to Bella Ann and Simon Kematch.  He was husband to Harriet and father to Mark Kematch, Esther Kematch-Munro and Melissa Chartrand.   He was the adopted grandfather to Darcy, Grant and Jeremy Kematch.  He was a grandfather to 11 children and great grandfather to 6 babies. 

Harold, well known as “Chop” began his journey to the spirit world on July 22, 2025.  Chop was raised at Shoal River Indian Reserve and Bell River Bay..   He attended Day School at the Anglican Church and then eventually moved to Camperville Catholic Residential School, whereby acknowledging him as a Survivor of the attempted indoctrination and assimilation process.  He fought with resilience by maintaining his language and beliefs upheld by his parents.  Harold worked as a logger, carpenter, and labourer at a younger time his life, and he then gave back to his community later on  as  Welfare Administrator for Shoal River and Wuskwi Siphk, and he was also the Electoral Officer for the community.  Like all his brothers, he enjoyed singing and playing guitar.  He was active in many community events such as Square Dancing, Treaty Day events and camping at Kettle Hills.

He married Harriet Genaille on January 22, 1960, although they went on separate paths they maintained their relationship throughout the years as friends  .  Harriet and Harold were rejoined in his final years at the Swan Valley Lodge.

Harold was predeceased by both parents, his sisters Clara Kematch-Brass (Mike Brass), Martha Leask (Perly Leask) and Nora Cook (Ken Cook), his brothers Ralph (Gladys Cook), Bruce (Christianne Kematch), Hubert (Betsy Kematch, Winnipeg), Clifford and Neil Kematch (Emily Kematch, York Landing).  “Chop” was the last survivor of his family, a generation of Kematch’s gone but never forgotten.  Harold was predeceased by his partner Ethel Cook, his grandsons, Andre Kematch,  Logan Kematch, great grand child, Aiden, his oldest son Cecil Kematch, a son unnamed and a baby boy Joseph Kematch.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Swan Valley Lodge.   Much love and honor to his niece Selena Cook, his nephew Christopher (Sticks) Kematch and his grandson Brennan Quill for being there when he left.  To his friend from the Lodge, Wilbert Brass, and to all who acknowledged him as a senior member of the community.

His grandsons and grandnephews will serve as pallbearers, with community elders recognized as honorary pallbearers.