Obituary

With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Thahawitha Montour, born August 4, 1975 and death on September 15, 2026 at the age of 51.  He is survived by a large extended Kahnawákeró:non family including his mother Margaret Waehiakohe Horn, father Mark Dennis Montour, sister Star Otsisto Horn (nephew Fisher), daughter Wattsitsonni, grandson Arrow, sons Kanawato and Storm.

From an early age, he was a gregarious and adventurous child, growing up alongside his older sister. The two often accompanied their mother on her work travels, turning those small trips into opportunities for adventure and discovery. Their childhood was divided between Kahnawà:ke and Ottawa, competitive swimming, camping, pond hockey, biking, exploring and family adventures.  One particularly memorable adventure was a trip to Nicaragua with his Big Brother Dave (Cathy) – a vacation they always remember fondly.  He loved his 3 children, always making sure they were well fed with his nutritious culinary skills.  He was always watching and joining their sports.

Thahawitha attended the National Sports Academy – a private preparatory school for elite winter-sport athletes in Lake Placid, NY.  A talented and competitive athlete, he became the Eastern U.S. Junior Ski Jumping Champion in his youth and represented the New York Ski Educational Foundation.  A memorable highlight was travelling to Czechoslovakia to train with world class ski jumpers.  He loved nature and the outdoors and was drawn to hiking, canoeing, and back-country skiing while working at a ski resort in Crested Butte, Colorado.

He was a gifted craftsman who devoted his talents to renovating and restoring homes throughout the Adirondacks. He studied the traditional Adirondack style before incorporating it into his own work, bringing a deep respect for its character and craftsmanship to every project. His attention to detail and love of the work left a lasting mark on the homes he transformed.

Completing his Ironworker Training Certificate allowed him to follow in the footsteps of his family and pursue it as a career. He worked projects that included the Brooklyn and Mercier bridges.  He proudly participated in the 2010 National Film Board of Canada documentary ‘As I Am’ celebrating Indigenous peoples, culture and work.

He was a master cradle board carver and talented tattoo artist and was always finding new ways to express his creativity and skill.  Thahawitha was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend to many.  Leaving us too soon, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitations will take place from Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00 am to Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Longhouse on route 207, and will be laid to rest on Monday, September 21, 2026 after the ceremony at 11:00 am.  The family wishes to thank the paramedics at the Kahnawake Fire Brigade and Kahnawake Peacekeepers.