Robert J.Ninham

Mr. Robert J. Ninham Sr.l age 70, of 8 North Loop Road, Steamburg, New York died unexpectedly, Thursday, April 3, 2008 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Born on February 27, 1938 in Buffalo, New York he was the son of the late Fred and Gertrude Armstrong Ninham. He was married on February 2, 1985 to the former Carol Crouse who survives.

Mr. Ninham was a graduate of Thompson Indian School, he was a graduate of Checotah, Oklahoma High School, a graduate of Erie Community College, received his Bachelor's Degree from Empire State College, and received his Master's Degree from Buffalo State College.

Mr. Ninham was employed as a Language Teacher for the Seneca Nation of Indians, Salamanca, New York. Previously, he had been a Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Niagara Falls, New York and Lockport, New York.

He was an enrolled member of Seneca Nation of Indians, the Heron Clan, he was a Wampum Keeper, a Faithkeeper at the Coldspring Longhouse, and the S.G.I - U.S.A. for 25 years.

Surviving besides his wife are: 5 sons, Derrick Ninham, Ernest Ninham, both of Niagara Falls, New York, Richard Ninham, Robert Ninham Jr., Christopher Ninham, all of the Tonawanda Reservation; 3 daughters, Cheryl Ninham, Niagara Falls, New York, Pamela Ninham, Fate, Texas, Sandra Ninham, Niagara Falls, New York; a special son and daughter, Peter and Dana Kozlowki; 24 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; beloved uncle, Bob & Donna Henhawk, Six Nations, Canada; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 2 granddaughters, Luanne Ground, Stephanie Lay, a grandson, Aaron Ninham, 2 brothers, Luther Tallchief, Earl Parker, 1 sister, Alberta Jimerson.

Friends may call at the Coldspring Longhouse all day Saturday and Sunday.

Funeral services will be held in the Coldspring Longhouse on Monday morning at 10:00 A.M.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg, New York.

E condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com

Memorials may be sent to SGI-USA, 7 East 15th Street, New York, New York 10211 or Faithkeepers School, 1341 West Perimeter Road, Steamburg, New York 14783.