03.05.2007, 15:31
Victoria (BC) Times
Victoria, British Columbia
24 November 1966
Mighty Chief Thunderbird Dies; Gained Fame as Wrestling King
Chief Thunderbird, one of the most famous of British Columbia's native sons, is dead.
Jean Baptiste Paul, who gained world-wide fame as Chief Thunderbird, died Wednesday in St. Joseph's Hospital. He was 71.
Hereditary chief of the Tsartlip Indians at Brentwood, "The Chief" gained his greatest fame as a professional wrestler but was outstanding in several sports.
Right up until he was hospitalized two weeks ago, Chief Thunderbird was a familiar figure as various district sporting events, particularly soccer and football.
Just as he stood out in the wrestling ring, "Bapti Paul" was easily recognized as a sports fan because of his booming, gravel voice. A staunch supporter of Island teams, he was quick to berate referees for anything he considered a poor call. His booming tirades were laced with a wit that entertained everybody.
A proud individual, The Chief was always proudest of the fame that he brought to his native B.C. while wrestling in all corners of the world.
Chief Thunderbird, grandson of noted chief Ben Paul, gained world-wide fame early. Attending the Tacoma Indian School in Washington, he won letters in eight sports — an amazing feat that was described in the Strange as it Seems feature.
He also put together a string of 20 boxing victories — nine by knockouts — in his youth, and rang up 30 consecutive wrestling victories after his pro debut in Seattle.
Even at school, The Chief was so adept at wrestling that he had no difficulty in beating his instructors.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; three sons — Harvey Andrew (Jack), Roy and Carl; three daughters — Mrs. Gordon (Juanita) Underwood, Mrs. Maurice (Jeanette) Barrett and Mrs. John (Freda) Cooper; a brother, Paul; his sister, Mrs. Elsie Roney, and 29 grandchildren.
Prayers will be offered in Sands' "Memorial Chapel of Chimes" Friday at 8 p.m. Mass will be held in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, West Saanich Road, Saturday at 10 a.m.
Victoria, British Columbia
24 November 1966
Mighty Chief Thunderbird Dies; Gained Fame as Wrestling King
Chief Thunderbird, one of the most famous of British Columbia's native sons, is dead.
Jean Baptiste Paul, who gained world-wide fame as Chief Thunderbird, died Wednesday in St. Joseph's Hospital. He was 71.
Hereditary chief of the Tsartlip Indians at Brentwood, "The Chief" gained his greatest fame as a professional wrestler but was outstanding in several sports.
Right up until he was hospitalized two weeks ago, Chief Thunderbird was a familiar figure as various district sporting events, particularly soccer and football.
Just as he stood out in the wrestling ring, "Bapti Paul" was easily recognized as a sports fan because of his booming, gravel voice. A staunch supporter of Island teams, he was quick to berate referees for anything he considered a poor call. His booming tirades were laced with a wit that entertained everybody.
A proud individual, The Chief was always proudest of the fame that he brought to his native B.C. while wrestling in all corners of the world.
Chief Thunderbird, grandson of noted chief Ben Paul, gained world-wide fame early. Attending the Tacoma Indian School in Washington, he won letters in eight sports — an amazing feat that was described in the Strange as it Seems feature.
He also put together a string of 20 boxing victories — nine by knockouts — in his youth, and rang up 30 consecutive wrestling victories after his pro debut in Seattle.
Even at school, The Chief was so adept at wrestling that he had no difficulty in beating his instructors.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; three sons — Harvey Andrew (Jack), Roy and Carl; three daughters — Mrs. Gordon (Juanita) Underwood, Mrs. Maurice (Jeanette) Barrett and Mrs. John (Freda) Cooper; a brother, Paul; his sister, Mrs. Elsie Roney, and 29 grandchildren.
Prayers will be offered in Sands' "Memorial Chapel of Chimes" Friday at 8 p.m. Mass will be held in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, West Saanich Road, Saturday at 10 a.m.