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JOHN KEVIN COUCHMAN
STAR NATION HAS RECLAIMED
SOME OF ITS BRILLIANCE!
John Kevin Couchman died on June 5, 2026 in Winnipeg.
Jonathan Dwayne Charles was born at Sturgeon Lake First Nation, SK to Marilyn Charles and Alphonse Napew. Shortly before age two, he was taken by officials to rural Ontario where he was raised along with four adoptees by Ken and Patricia Couchman with their three children.
They all worked hard while enjoying country life. He left home as a teen, spending time in Toronto, on the home reserve, and for several years, in the lower mainland of BC, where he worked with some of the chiefs.
Jon’s artistic and musical talent was nurtured by his mom, and his dad taught him many things, including early driving lessons. It was the two grammas, Gwen and Grace, who showed him about dressing neatly and appreciating finer things.
Jon became an amazing chef and caterer. His work was appreciated at many venues.
Jonathan was a true artist. He played like a concert pianist and sang in perfect pitch. He excelled in so many ways and had a remarkable sixth sense. He wrote poetry and was working on a novel and a Cree-Dakota opera. He loved dancing, cycling, drawing and watching movies. His love of nature ensured that he always preferred spending time outdoors.
He found his birth mother and spent meaningful time with her; he was unable to meet his father.
He was given a pipe by his maternal grandfather, John Charles and they shared precious time together. He did not get to meet his grandmother, Hazel (Fourstar) Charles.
The Jono Foundation will be established in his name, so that various projects of his can be completed.
Jon has been cremated. Celebration of Life will be held at a future time.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2026