Joshua Sage Eyolfson

Miskwaadesi childhood name “Red Turtle/ Painted Turtle”

Niiyogiizhig wandering name “Four Levels of the Sky World” or “Four Skies”

Creator called our Josh Home on June 8, 2026 in Vancouver, BC.

Nana Mary Courchene, Parents Stephanie Eyolfson, Derek Courchene and Vern Altiman, Eagle Clan Brothers Daniel Courchene, Dillon Courchene, Jacob Courchene, and Turtle Clan Brothers Josiah Eyolfson, Jeff Myers, Jared Myers, Tristan Murdock, Graham Altiman, Waabezhig Altiman, Sister Tiffany Wright, and Son Christian, Special Friend Christina Capilano, along with many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, colleagues and very many dear friends give thanks for having known Joshua’s loving, laughing, supportive and fearless spirit and we are all the better for it.

There to greet him on the Other Side was Granny and Papa Connie and Gerald Eyolfson, Grandpa George Courchene, Papa Pete Jaynes Altiman, Gramma Gloria Altiman, Auntie Melodie Thomas, Auntie Josie Hill, Auntie Elaine Isaac, his cousins Thor Eyolfson and Mike Bruyere, and his many Great Aunts, Great Uncles, an army of Friends and Ancestors. He was so proud to be a Red Seal Ship Fitter for Seaspan and it was the sea that carried him Home the morning of June 8 with his body washing ashore at Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver, drowned while he was out for a swim. His spirit is shining so bright and his cousin Thor and all the Thunderbirds loudly announced Josh’s immediate return Home.

Our Ninja, 13th Warrior, and Rockstar was always the defender and protector and created community around himself and all of us whether it was at the camp Strong Earth Woman Lodge, Granny’s Family Fun Days, Valley Gardens, our house on Ravenhill Rd, Kildonan East Collegiate, ACCESS, BCIT, Marine and Ship Builders Union 506 or Seaspan. He was the glue connecting so many people to each other and believing in the best of each of us. He found his calling at BCIT Marine Fitters program and not only excelled in his own studies he helped so many others with theirs as well. While a distinguished career path awaited him immediately after graduation in 2017, he chose to delay it in order to explore unique, creative projects that allowed him to master his craft in metal fabrication. Nearly six years ago, he accepted a position with Seaspan, bringing his deeply honed talents to the shipyard. He earned his Red Seal in Steel Fabrication in 2022. Josh also loved to be Oshkaabewis at the sweat lodge and other ceremonies, including smudging Sundancers since he was 6 years old. He loved learning and honouring tradition, is a proud member of Walpole Island, and was thrilled to participate in the Niisga Nation’s Hoobiye with his adopted Squamish family the last couple of years.

Josh loved Life, the Earth, the Water, the Fire and the Sky. Josh is love. He wanted nothing more than to enjoy life and laugh, work hard and play harder. He was and is peace and acceptance; he worked hard over the years to build his resilience and heal from his traumas. Joshua thoroughly loved his life for all that it is, the good and the not so good, and was joyously making space for whatever Creator had next for him. We did not know Creators plan would be packaged significantly different to what we anticipated - Josh talked about sharing his message of love through writing a book and moving back home. It is simply his time to continue his work beside Granny on the Other Side.

A sacred fire will be held in the lot directly west of 1024 Balgona Rd. Winnipeg beginning Sunday June 14 at 6 pm to Tuesday June 16 at 6 pm. Please park on the road.

Josh’s life will be celebrated through an honouring ceremony and feast led by Elder Eric Courchene at 6 pm Wednesday June 17, at Elwick School 30 Maberley Rd, Winnipeg. Doors will open at 5. All are welcome to attend. Cremation is taking place in Vancouver and his ashes will be interred at Ste Marguerite’s Cemetery in Traverse Bay later this summer.

The Vancouver Celebration of Life will be held July 4, 2026 at Chief Joe Mathias Centre 100 Capilano Rd, West Vancouver at 1 pm. Doors will open at noon.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity or struggling friend/ family member of your choice - spread love and laughter and quiet reflections as Josh did every day. Take care of each other

“You are good medicine for this world”

To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.