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Thelbert Joseph Bigtree passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the age of 72 years. He was the former spouse of Marlene Bero and former longtime companion of Alvena Delormier. Loving father of Shari Adams (Christopher), Tricia Benedict (Wendell), Sharla Burns (P.J.), Oren (Ema), Ohontsiiosta Bigtree (Billy), Torry and Brennan (Sierra) and chosen son Leo Gibson (Jen). Thelbert was the cherished grandfather of Trey, Kearin, Jory, Kylee, Troi, Payne, Isaiah, Elijah, Breann, Brilynn, Rahnienhawi, Rawson, Kaden, Tyler, Tavares, Kyle, Jace, Wren, Hank, Liam, Liv, Hadley, Haisley, Emma, Ethan, Ella and Elizabeth. Loving godfather of Nathan Delormier. He will be missed by his chosen sister Sharon Thompson.

Thelbert was predeceased by his parents George and Christine (née Herne) Bigtree, by siblings George "Juddy," Ramon, Billy, Karen Ann Terrence and by his nephew Terry Bigtree.

Thelbert worked as an Ironworker, at Alcoa, Security Guard for the Mohawk Bingo Palace and other various jobs. He was very humorous, witty, and had a saying, song or comeback for everything. He was a jack-of-all-trades kind of man who could fix or grow anything. He also loved to gather with his family and play CKON radio bingo. His best trait was his love for his family, especially his children and grandchildren. They were his world, his everything. He was a great friend, and surely his presence will be sadly missed by his community.

He rested at 171 Helena Road, Hogansburg, NY, from Sunday until Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Regis Church on Tuesday at 11 am. As expressions of sympathy, Memorial Donations to the Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance appreciated.