Melvin James "Begamaanaakwad" Morrisseau

Begamaanaakwad was born on August 17, 1946 in Fort Frances, Ontario and had lived his entire life on Couchiching First Nation and in Fort Frances. He had worked as a truck driver and guide. He enjoyed playing pool and cribbage with his friends. He was especially fond of nicknaming his loved ones and singing to his daughters and grandchildren, even if they were not around.

Begamaanaakwad was the Anishinaabe name Melvin received shortly before his passing and he found a great deal of comfort in his culture and name.

Begamanaakwad is survived by his wife of 43 years Irene Morrisseau of Couchiching, and daughters Dawn Morrisseau, Candace Morrisseau (James Leonard), Christine Morrisseau and Erica Morrisseau. Also surviving are grandchildren, James Morrisseau (Sonya Mainville), Makayla Morrisseau, Cheyanna Morrisseau, Jeremy Jordan, Jared Jordan, Jessica Jordan, Trinity Morrisseau, Destiny Morrisseau, Jacy White, Iva-Jo Andy, Regeenah Andy, Chrissy Andy, Jamie 'Hailey' Horton, Tehya Horton, 3 great grandchildren Nysaiah Morrisseau, Keiras Morrisseau and Ciarra Morrisseau, his brother Rudolph Morrisseau Sr as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Alex 'Sonny' and Marjorie Morrisseau nee McPherson, grandparents, Alex and Christina Morrisseau, sister Mabel Bruyere, brother-in-law Vernon “Smallie” Bruyere, brother Jim Banks, brother Alton “Bunger” Morrisseau and two nephews Rudolph Morrisseau Jr. and Clayton Windego Jr.

A wake will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 3:00 pm. at the Multi-Use Facility on Couchiching First Nation

A traditional burial ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Multi-Use Facility. Elder Gilbert Smith will officiate followed by interment in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery and light lunch at the Multi-use.

The pallbearers will be Jeremy Jordan, Jared Jordan, Armand Jourdain Jr., Vern Bruyere, Steve Mainville and Derek Mainville.

The honourary pallbearers will be Robert Bruyere, Dennis Bruyere, Gilbert “Tons” Perreault and Robert “Porky” Perreault.

In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, in care of Green Funeral Home Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com