Ignace Victor “T-Bone” Couture
courtesy photo
Ignace Couture
ELMO — Ignace Victor “T-Bone” Couture, age 77, passed away on Friday, Dec. 12, 2015, at his residence in Elmo. He was born one of six children on March 9, 1938, in St. Ignatius to Alexander and Madeline Ruth (Phillips) Couture.
He was a proud member the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe. A man of many journeys through life, he attended various schools and graduated from Polson High School and attended college at Northern Montana College in Havre and Flathead Community College in Kalispell.
He later moved to Oakland, California, for six years before landing (one of many) a job as the assistant director at Ronan’s Job Corps. Upon leaving there he moved on with his long-time companion Karen Kapi, making, buying and selling their arts and crafts. He also along the way, raised four of his grandchildren.
He served on the Water Rights Committee for years. With his knowledge he spoke many times about Kootenai Culture and taught the Kootenai language at Two Eagle River School.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing his guitar along with his buddy Pat Lefthand.
Ignace’s parents, Alex Couture and Madeline Couture; sisters, Agnes Caye and Mary Lefthand and an infant sister Madeline, precede him in death.
He is survived by his brothers Wayne (Barb) Couture of Rainbow Lake, Montana and Eddie (Earline) of Elmo; his aunt Helen Charlo of Elmo; his longtime companion Karen Kapi; his daughter Pamela Mandan–Blagg; his four grandchildren: Margaret (Samuel) Sheridan and their children, Ashlyn Sheridan, Ignace “Iggy ” (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.
Services have been held. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
