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Note: N1 Simon Pepin Meyer was the grandson of the founder of Havre, Montana. His mother was half Cree Indian and unable to own some of the properties left to her by her father Simon Pepin until years later after the banks, courts and the attorneys dwindled the estate to a small sum; si received about half a million dollars instead of the multi millions antipicpated. Si
was a marvelous story teller, filled with energy and delight in children. All of the Vold nieces and nephews and our children, too, were entranced by Uncle Si. He made us blood brothers and sisters of the Cree tribe, found maps that led to buried treasure amounting to $3.10 apiece. He took us shopping by bus to Albert Lea, Minnesota dressed in our finest. We purchased new purses with our treasure, ate at the Chow Mein restaurant where we learned “manners.” But, we were instrcuted to save the dime, throwing it up into the ceiling light fixture, he wrote the date of our coin down to be certain we would not spend that money. Un fortunately, a baby sitter stole our dimes.
The saddest part of Si’s life story is his divorce with two children who were never able to understand why he did not participate more in their lives. This was a tragedy as his children, a daughter and son (who passed away in 2013) are marvelous people. So much missed likely because of bitterness that could not be buried. And then comes a burial or two and it is too late.
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