Donald Gilbert Nahanee

Sunrise: November 22, 1944 - Sunset: January 27, 2016

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear elder Donald Gilbert Nahanee who was affectionately known as Onsie. Donald descends from the Antone / Cordocedo and Nahanee / Lackett-Joe families of Squamish Nation. Donald was born to his parents Violet (nee Antone) and Arnold on November 22, 1944. He grew up on Mission IR. No. 1 and passed away peacefully in his home on Capilano IR. No. 5 - he was 71 years young.

Cousins and friends remember their gang called the "Hi-Fi's" and as young men and women they remember him being so much fun just being pre-teen and teen. As a young man Onsi helped his parents in the little house that was in the back yard - he actually lived in the house during the winter to keep it warm and well fed. Onsie touched the hearts of so many people as he entered into his struggle towards sobriety. Although he had slips and falls along the way he talked always of his next step towards recovery. He loved be at Tsow tun le lum Treatment Centre in Nanoose Bay and planned to return in the spring. Onsie felt it important to bring together our traditional teaching with recovery and wellness. He loved to share his life lessons and wanted to be a role model for his family and community. He became friends with every member of the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit and it wasn't unusual to see Police hanging out at Onsie's or enjoying a walk together around the Rez. His joys were to attended wellness groups of many kinds, regalia making classes and elder or community events.

Family teased him and called him "Donsie" 'cause in excitement he'd state his name and mix Donald with Onsie and he became Donsie. He will be dearly missed by his daughter Michelle Beattie (nee Harrison); Brothers Kenny (Janet) and Edward (Samantha); Sisters Sarah (Tony), Judy and Vikki (Joe) many loving nieces, nephews, loving relative and dear friends.

A Prayer Service will be on February 2, 2016 (Tuesday) at 7:00 pm and a funeral service on February 3, 2016 (Wednesday) at 10:00 am both at St. Paul's Indian Catholic Church, 426 West Esplanade Street