WAHBISHKANOCOT ELI MANDAMIN JR.

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WAHBISHKANOCOT ELI MANDAMIN JR. We walked away that morning, without a backward glance, We didn't know that moment was going to be our last. The last time we would hold you or see your lovely face, The last time we would kiss you and feel your strong embrace. So solid and so real, so vibrant and alive, A happy face with twinkling eyes, our fine young man, our child. Our son, our Wahbishkanacot, the apple of our eye, so cruelly taken from us, we never said goodbye. The shattered remnant of our heart is strangely beating still, with holes so black and fathomless no light could ever fill. We don't know how we will face each day without our darling boy. Gone is all the happiness, the love of life, the joy. The years stretch on before us, so bleak and dark and long, We pray you walk beside us, son, and help to keep us strong. The years stretch on before me, so bleak and dark and long, I pray you walk beside me, son, and help to keep me strong. And when my life is over, come to me on that day, and smile at me and hold me tight cause it will be your turn to show me the way. The wind that whispers through the trees, the brightest star at night, a rainbow on a dismal day, a shaft of golden light, All these are signs you send to us, a message from above, that even death can't break the bonds of Son and Parent Love... It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Wahbishkanacot Eli Mandamin Jr. on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 18 years of age, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Wahbishkanocot will be missed and lovingly remembered by his parents, Eli and Claudia; his girlfriend, Alexandra, grandparents, his brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and numerous extended family members. Wahbishkanocot was looking forward to becoming a first time father to his unborn child in a few months. Wahbishkanocot has many close relatives that will miss him dearly. Wahbishkanocot had a special love and friendship with several of his cousins. He also had a huge network of close friends far too many to mention. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Mary Jane, uncles, Darrell, Terrance, great-aunt, Barbara, nephew, Tanner. Wahbishkanocot had a love for the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing and camping. He especially loved his long walks. Wahbishkanocot was a very gentle soul with a heart was as big as his stature. He had a special ability to keep close contact with his special cousins and friends. He had an uncanny ability to show up when he seemed to be needed the most! His sense of humour was unmatched and he always lit up a room when he entered. Pallbearers are Paul Fair, Carl Bryant, Bazil Copenace, Maynard Mandamin, Travis Redsky and Desmond Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Daigneault, Damon Wayash, Parker Anderson, and Alex Mandamin. A traditional wake will be held at Iskatewizaagegan #39 (Shoal Lake), Ontario at David Kejick School gym on Friday, February 17, viewing on February 18 and final viewing, midday of February 19 followed by the burial ceremony, conducted by Elder Steven Kejick. We give thanks to the many family members and friends that have helped and been by our side during this difficult time. Thanks to everyone from Shoal Lake reserves for your support and special thanks to Vanessa Fedus. Thank you to all the people for their prayers, songs and condolences. Thanks to the Regional Chiefs and National Chief for their prayers and songs. Brown Funeral Home Cremation Centre Entrusted with Arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2012