HENRY J. ARQUETTE

AKWESASNE – Henry J. "Atsienhanonne" Arquette, 84, of 402 St. Regis Road, passed away peacefully at his home, on Friday morning, September 18, 2015. He had been in failing health the past two years.

Henry was born on February 12, 1931, on St. Regis Island, son of the late Jake and Mary J. Skidders Arquette. He attended local schools, and on January 19, 1952, he married Beatrice A. Thompson at the St. Regis Catholic Church, with Rev. Michael Jacobs officiating. She predeceased him on April 23, 2006.

Henry first went to work at a logging camp in Smith Falls at the age of 16, and then worked at Carpenter Rigging in Syracuse for 13 years. He then became an Iron Worker, working with Carpenter Rigging for 13 years in Syracuse. He was a member of Local #440, working across the country and in New York City during the World's Fair. He retired after 42 years of service.

He was a Master Basket maker, where he was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2014. In 1994, TAUNY awarded him with a group of basket makers and in 2003, he was awarded individually for his basket making skills. He was an avid fan of the Yankees and the Rangers. He was a member of the St. Regis Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael Jacobs 10423.

He is survived by his four sons and two daughters, Steven Arquette; Kenneth Arquette and his companion Annie; Alan "Chico" and Jackie Arquette; Vaughn and Ella Arquette; Francine and Darren Cook; and Stephanie and John Ransom; a chosen son, Jack Johnson, and chosen daughters, Denise Jackson; and Natasha Arquette, all of Akwesasne; 20 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; his sister Simone and Daniel Buneo, Ballston Spa; his brother James Arquette, Akwesasne; and his aunt, Ida Day of Syracuse; and many nieces and nephews.

Henry was predeceased by six children, Henry Jr. at 10 months, on April 16, 1966; Keith in infancy; Gary on June 14, 1977; Curtis on April 18, 1986; Dana on April 18, 1986; and Harris on January 30, 1995; grandchildren, Daniel on April 10, 2001; and Aaron on January 23, 2004; three brothers, John on May 19, 1966; Charles A. on October 24, 2007; Robert "Duffy" on March 21, 2012; and a sister, Nancy Hopps on September 7, 2001.

Friends called at his home from Sunday until Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday at the St. Regis Catholic Church, with Rev. Jerome Pastores officiating. Burial followed at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Hogansburg, NY.

Memorial donations may be made in Henry's memory to the St. Regis Mission Church.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.