Obituary for
Ignace Victor "T-Bone" Couture
Ignace Victor "T-Bone" Couture, age 77, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2015 at his residence in Elmo, MT. He was born one of six children on March 9, 1938 in St. Ignatius, Montana to Alexander and Madeline Ruth (Phillips) Couture.
He was a proud member the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe. A man of many journey*s through life, he attended various schools and graduated from Polson High School and attended college at Northern Montana College in Havre and later at Flathead Community College in Kalispell.
He later moved to Oakland, CA for six years before landing (one of many) a job as the assistant director at Ronan*s Job Corps. Leaving there, he moved on with his long- time companion Karen Kapi, making, buying and selling their arts and crafts. He also raised four of his grandchildren along the way.
*He served in the Water Rights Committee for years; with his knowledge he spoke many times about Kootenai Culture and teaching Kootenai language at Two Eagle River School.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing his guitar along with his buddy Pat Lefthand.
*He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex Couture and Madeline Couture, sisters, Agnes Caye and Mary Lefthand and an infant sister Madeline.
He is survived by his brothers Wayne (Barb) Couture of Rainbow Lake, MT; Eddie (Earline) of Elmo, MT; his aunt Helen Charlo of Elmo, MT; his longtime companion Karen Kapi; his daughter Pamela Mandan*Blagg; four grandchildren, Margaret (Samuel) Sheridan and their children, Ashlyn Sheridan, Ignace *Iggie* (his favorite) Pierre Sheridan, Anjaleah Sheridan and Samuel *Mickey* Sheridan; Thomas Maestas and his son Roman Maestas, Bruce Maestas and Allie Maestas (Dwayne Turner and their son Clay Turner ; his best friend August Lefthand and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The Wake for Ignace will begin on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 12:00 P.M. at Elmo Hall with a Rosary at 8:00 P.M. with funeral services on Monday, December 14, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Elmo Hall followed by burial in Elmo Cemetery.
Read Ignace "T-Bone" Couture's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.