Howie Copenace Jr.
Maanitoubiness – Bear Clan
March 15, 1976 – July 8, 2012
It is with great sorrow that we announce that sudden passing of our son, brother, father, cousin, uncle, dear nephew Howie Jr. Leaving to mourn are his biological parents Howard Copenace and Karen Skead, his paternal grandmother Mary Copenace (Koko), along with his step parents Sheila, Renee and Allan White. His memory will be forever cherished by his sisters Rachel (Christian) their children Harmony, Phoenix, Carson and Lydia Marie, sister Crystal, sister Sunny (Jhanick) Sigwan, Allyn (Tag) and his precious children with Michelle Kavanaugh - Cairo Marie, Corin and their sibling Hunter, his common law partner Freedom Bird and his youngest daughter Legace Irie, siblings Jovan, Chelsea and Brandon who will miss their Dad deeply. His special brothers Towass and Gaylord.
Howie is predeceased his sister Veronica Marie, Grandfather Alex Copenace, Uncle Billy Skead, cousin Booshie, Rianna and maternal grandparents Roy and Emma Skead.
Howie took great pride in his educational journey. He graduated with his BA, B.Ed. from Queens University sharing his love for teaching for many years with various school boards across the Treaty #3 Area. He was an active Board Member on the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association. His love for teaching children was shared with Neechee Friendship Centre where he was the Education Counsellor. Howie was a Champion Grass Dancer who grew up dancing ever since he could walk. His childhood years revolved around pow wows as an avid singer and dancer. He took part in all cultural activities and always took pride in his culture. He was a part of the Whitefish Bay Square Dancers, an incredible jigger and loved to square dance with his Copenace side of the family. He loved to golf and was an excellent hockey player all his life. He was a member of the Whitefish Bay Predators Hockey Team. One of his passions was his guitar (aka Johnny), he was a self-taught musician and a talented guitarist, singer and song writer. Howie had a passion for life and shared his love for life with everyone that he met. He was a kind, gentle soul, loving and caring who helped anyone that asked him. Best described as fun loving, always with a smile he will be sadly missed by his many aunties, uncles and cousins who loved him very much.
Special thanks to LWDH, Grand Council Treaty #3, Whitefish Bay, Northwest Angle #37, Wauzhusk Onigum First Nations. Family want to thank Brenda, Lorna, Aileen Oshie for their assistance at the hospital your help is appreciated. His Great Aunties, Louise Mandamin, Josie Robinson, Linda Williams and Margaret Favell who are always by our side, Auntie Pat Copenace and Lavender Hunt for their sewing, his aunties, Dorothy, Geraldine, Linda, Cathy, Sherry Cameron for their assistance with all that needed to be prepared. Thank you to Isobel, Tracey, and Wendy for being there with family during this difficult time. Meegwetch to all of you especially the Fire keepers! Kitchi Meegwetch.
Pallbearers are Jyles Copenace, Manno Copenace, Alex Copenace, Joshua Copenace, Skylar Copenace, BJ Copenace, David Skead, Christian Carey and Herb Greene. Honorary Pallbearers are the Whitefish Bay Predators.
A Wake Service will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the Northwest Angle # 37 Complex beginning at 10:00 am. Funeral Service will be held on Friday at Northwest Angle #37 Complex starting @ 11:00 am With Elder Tommy White from Naotkamegwanning officiating the traditional services. Interment will be at Naotkamegwanning First Nation where he will be laid to rest beside his sister Veronica Marie.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
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