Paul 'Benji' Cowley Jr.

May 14, 1978 - February 26, 2025

Shishiib doodem

Known to everyone as Benji passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre with his brother, best friend, cousins at his side. Benji a resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario and proud member of the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation.

Benji lived his life as Biimaadizewin, lived a good life of 46 years. Benji loves his family both on his paternal and maternal sides. He took pride in being an uncle to many and loved all his nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews.

Benji grew up with the love of fishing especially with his cousin Mike Roy. They had funny experiences on the lake when they ended up getting lost and stranded on one of their trips. Benji always had a positive vibe surrounding him. He was always laughing and joking with his family and friends; to all those who knew him. He loved to travel to pow wows with his momma, ndede and siblings; would attend local Treaty #3 pow wows every chance he get. Loved to eat at the community feasts, fish fry's, bannock, and traditional foods.

He enjoyed playing chase da Ace, crazy 8s, and bingo. As an adult he was an avid ticket scratcher, a regular at the Casino, he lived right across from one in Thunder Bay. He would travel to Manitoba for the casinos! One of his past time favorites was being entertained by the World of Wrestling especially WWE. He also enjoyed different genres of music, his favorite being country and his all time favorite artist is Shania Twain. He got to shake hands with her at her Winnipeg concert back in 1998. One of his once in a lifetime experiences!

Benji moved away from Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in his early twenties to pursue a better life. He moved to Kenora where he met his brother and best friend Derek. Benji eventually bought themselves a van and started travelling. His travels were to his home community for birthdays, holidays, pow wows, casinos, and a trip to Toronto, where he surprised his giimas Shannon Ryanne.

Benji is predeaceased by his paternal grandparents, Jimmie and Sarah Cowley. Maternal grandparents, Peterson and Evelyn "Coco" Nash. Parents Paul and Irene Cowley. Sisters Martina Ola, Priscilla Tom. Aunts Stella Keast, Adeline Roy, Dorthory Nash, Lauretta "Quay", Marlene, Edel Cowley. Uncles Jerry, Michael, Walter "Bobo" Cowley. Cousins, Michael Roy, Shawna & Holly Keast, Angela Nash. Many others too many to mention.

He will be missed immensely by his brother, best friend Derek; Sisters Shannon Ryanne (Daniel), Mary Ann, and baby sister Samantha Joy. Brothers Tim (Roberta) and Omar (Tammy). Nephews and nieces, Kelvin, Rheannon, Elvin, Lee; Joe, Jeff, Randy, Eric; Sarain, Robert; Shaylynne Dameka; Mackenzie, Kelsi, Sidney; great nieces and nephews, Jenny, Jazzy, Connor Mandamin; Donald, Stedman, and Caio. Cousins Chris Keast, Estelle "chichi", Joanna, Veronica, Darren, James Nash; Kristol, Debbie Bird; Merritt Cowley; Jamie Cowley; Alberta Cowley; Wendell and Denise Tom. Also many extended family and friends too many to name.

The family would like to say thank you to the nurses and doctors at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital; Animakee Wa Zhing #37 and Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

A wake will begin Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 Community Hall and a traditional funeral service will be on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:00 am with internment to follow at the family plot on Animakee Wa Zhing #37.