Gaylord was born on Thursday, March 18, 1954 in Emo, Ontario and had lived all his life in the Rainy River District. He had worked as a lumberjack, a fishing guide and a tour guide at the Manitou Mounds. He was also a Traditional Men’s Grass Dancer, bingo caller, musician, goaltender and a catcher for fast pitch.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Shannon Copenace, Vanessa (Paul) Noble, Lindsay (Marcel) Wynne and their mother Melvina Copenace. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and step-grandchildren, his brother Vernon (Stephinie Blackjack), sister-in-law Berla Horton as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Robert on February 7, 2007 and his grandparents Mary and James Horton.
A Traditional Midewiwin Ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Rainy River Rapids First Nations Gymnasium.
A funeral wake was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. at the Rainy River First Nations Gymnasium.
Elder Charlie Nelson officiated followed by interment in the family plot at Rainy River First Nations Cemetery.
The active pallbearers were Jon Copenace, Fred Copenace, Paul Noble, Alton Brown, Derek Horton, Darryl Horton, Gordon Kelly and Dustin Horton.
The honourary pallbearers were Donna Mainville, Tom and Dorothy Medicine, Bessie and Elmer Mainville, Ben Brown Jr., Doug Horton, Delbert Horton, Berla Horton, Tammy and Heather Horton, Kristi Medicine and Steve Martineau.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario 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
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