Thomas James Chapais

After a courageous battle with Cancer, it is with great sadness that the family of Thomas James Chapais, 12, announce his passing. With his family by his side Thomas peacefully passed away on September 13, 2016 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, ON.

Thomas was born January 11, 2004 to Joanna Singleton and Francis Chapais. Thomas was raised in Long Lake #58 First Nation for the first 10 years of his life where he attended Migizi Elementary School. This is where he was moulded into the sweet, caring young boy we knew to love. For the last 2 years of his life Thomas lived on Couchiching First Nation and attended Robert Moore School in Fort Frances ON. He was very fond of his toys, xbox and his family & friends. He loved his outings with family, whether it was attending local baseball games, playing at the park, or bonfires in the yard. He was also involved with youth Drumming for a short time before being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in November 2014. While receiving treatments in Toronto, he got a special visit from the Toronto Maple Leafs and got to watch a game of the World Junior Hockey Championship. He also met a special friend named Grace who had taken this journey one year prior, which truly inspired him. He fought this disease with courage, bravery and with a smile on his face. In May 2016, he had his Wish come true. With the help from the surrounding communities, the many organizations, & the Make a Wish Foundation he was able to spend time with his family in Toronto and had the chance to meet the Toronto Blue Jays, and his favorite player Jose Bautista. He had the time of his life.

Thomas leaves behind his parents, Joanna Singleton of Couchiching First Nation and Francis Chapais of Long Lake #58 First Nation; siblings, Anthony, Frances, Lester, Mariah, Raigan, Tamara, and Tayah; grandparents, Pat Singleton & Vernon Bruyere of Couchiching First Nation, Johnny Bannatyne & Julie Sharpe of Thunder Bay ON, and Gilbert & Dorothy Legarde of Long Lake # 58 First Nation; niece Kiara; aunts Dianna (Sandy), Jennifer (Chris), Shannon, Sonja (Vincent), and Veronica; uncles Kevin, John, Dominic (Liz), Cletus, James (Karen), Arthur; also numerous cousins.

Thomas was predeceased by one brother; Trenton.

A wake will be held at 5:00pm on Thursday September 15, 2016 at the Multi-use Facility on Couchiching First Nation, with services on Friday September 16, 2016 at 10:00am with a luncheon at noon. Cremation to follow service. An additional service will be held in Long Lake #58 First Nation at a later date.

The Pallbearers will be Sandy Bruyere, John Singleton, Anthony Mainville, Chris Morrisseau, Donald Chapais, Conrad Chapais and Dominic Chapais.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Thomas’ family.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.