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EDWARD CLARENCE NEPINAK
Born: Feb 12, 1949
Date of Passing: Nov 02, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
EDWARD CLARENCE NEPINAK
With his soulmate by his side and surrounded by loved ones, the patriarch of our family started his journey to the spirit world. Edward Clarence Nepinak (Spirit names: Scattering Wind and Seven Eagles) was born on February 12, 1949 and passed away on November 2, 2022.
He was predeceased by his beautiful daughter Rebecca Anne Nepinak, who passed just a month ago. We take great comfort in knowing she will be there to welcome him into the next leg of his journey.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Anne Nepinak; daughters, Melissa (Brad), Krystin (Mike), Melanie (Darren), adopted daughter Pam (Shawn), adopted son Wayne and many others to whom he played a fatherly role, including Sandra Parenteau, Raven Young, Ace Burpee, Angela Bates and Lorette in Switzerland to name a few; grandchildren, Clinton, Emily, Connor, Ikwance, Ejo, Sqitxlegs, Sadie, our remarkable girl Sophia, Max, Tawakweekwlacw and Damas. And countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
Clarence was the eldest of five sisters, Linda, Joanne, Sharon, Mary Jane and Marlene and two brothers, Reg and Wally. Born in the bush in Camperville and a member of Pine Creek First Nation, Clarence assumed the role of traditional knowledge keeper, family pipe carrier, eagle staff carrier and was the head of our family.
Recipient of the Golden Jubilee and Order of Manitoba, his commitment to the community was clear. He was a lifelong public servant and educator, who was dedicated to sharing his passion for the Ojibway way of life, Indigenous language preservation, raising awareness about diabetes and climate change. In all that work, he ensured all those teachings and knowledge was accessible to everyone. He believed knowledge was power and was generous and diligent in sharing that power.
Him and Barbara are iconic for their bannock over the fire that they served at The Forks every winter for 23 years. His cultural work included being a pioneer of the Thunderbird House, helping shape the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, language and cultural programming within Seven Oaks school division, performing countless times at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Festival Du Voyageur, Kidsfest, Winnipeg Tattoo Convention and more. He was also an original member of the Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba.
He was well travelled, being able to visit anywhere from the most remote Northern communities to big bustling cities all over the world. In some of that travel, his sense of family continued to grow including visiting his brother Heinz (Ava), Bernard and Maria Mueller in Switzerland, nephew Anthony Wilson in Austria and Mike and Toria in New Zealand.
He travelled for many different reasons, to many different places and the throughline in all his adventures was to always find a great meal with great company, where he could share stories. He was an incredible storyteller who believed in the power of story, to not only lift your spirits, but to change the way you think.
The family would like to thank Dr. John McGavock, Dr. Melanie Morris, Dr. Jeffrey Graham, the medical teams at CancerCare MB and St. Boniface Palliative care with special mention of nurses, Natasha, Ashleigh and Colleen who helped ensure that the last days of his life were filled with love, respect and dignity. You truly felt like family during that time.
He was the epitome of charisma and class and his departure leaves an unimaginably large hole in our hearts, our lives, our community and this city. Public viewing will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home or please join us in person or virtually to celebrate him on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book
please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2022
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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My love and sympathy to you Barbara, and to your family. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. - Posted by: Marguerite Flett (Friend) on: Nov 12, 2022
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Barbara, I was sorry to hear of the passing of Clarence. I will never forget the fun and laughs Clarence and I had working together at B.A. Robinson. I will miss bumping into him and you at the Forks teepee sharing some warm bannock or hugging on my neighbours lawn with all the media cameras there. I enjoyed the two of you doing"The Wide World of Olympic Sports" on TV and his brief but impressive movie career with Adam. And I will never forget sharing a meal at your first house in West Kildonan. Great apple pie! Bob and Jeanette - Posted by: Robert Dennis (Friend) on: Nov 08, 2022
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Barbara and family, very sorry for your loss. Having first met Clarence at Kenny's mother's funeral, but having heard about him from forever from Kenny, I think Clarence recognized Kenny was Metis before Kenny did! He was a big part of Kenny's life and will be missed. Kenny will forever keep this great man in his heart. Sincerely Sheila McGuigan. - Posted by: Sheila McGuigan (partner of Ken McGrath ) on: Nov 08, 2022
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My condolences to you Barbara, and all family and friends. While I never spent much time in Clarence's company, as others needed his talent mores, I did enjoy and admire his sense of 'goodness' in the few stories he told in my presence. He is missed by all who knew him. Perhaps the spirit world is in need of his talents. - Posted by: Rodney Hicks (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2022
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Deepest condolences to you Barb and your whole family. This loss is immeasurable to your family and our community at large. I wish you all courage and strength as you face these dark days ahead. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you!! Angie and Cory Boehm - Posted by: Angie and Cory Boehm. (Friendd) on: Nov 07, 2022
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I’m so sorry to hear the passing of Clarence and so close to Rebecca. I remember when Irene was a live/in babysitter for your girls . She shared so many funny and memorable stories about how Clarence Doyle tease her and scold her. Lol. She always appreciated and loved her family that took her in and never forgot how much you did to support her and cared for her. Neither have I. Thinking now that Clarence and Rebecca and Irene. Now sharing all the funny memories of Rebecca. When she was little. Love and hugs 🤗❤️🤗❤️🦅🦅🪶🪶 - Posted by: Colleen Robinson (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2022
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Sincere condolences to the Nepinak family on their loss. Clarence was a thoughtful and wise man, and a great teacher and speaker. He touched so many lives and will be missed by many people. - Posted by: Laurie Christianson (family friend) on: Nov 07, 2022
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I will speak for my two younger siblings who also knew Clarence as teenagers. We are so proud of you, you accomplished so much during your life on this earth. We were a family of eight girls, us three youngest ones always said you are the brother we wished we would have had. Rest now, our little brother. - Posted by: Rita Stephanson (nee Nanowin) (School friend) on: Nov 06, 2022
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My sincere condolences to the family. The involvement of Clarence Nepinak with CMHR was of importance and will always be remembered. M.R. - Posted by: Michele Rive, C.M. (Vice-Chair Board of Trustees CMHR) on: Nov 06, 2022
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We are all very sad to hear of the passing of Clarence our neighbor and friend. He was always smiling and telling stories. He was a very big man with a very big heart, always willing to help other's in need. Our street is yet silenced again with another Nepinak passing in less than a month. All your neighbors want to pass on their condolences to the entire family. And may God watch over all of you and bless you. From all your neighbors on Isbister Street. Will and Will, June, Norma, Iva, Cathy, John. Our prays are with you all. God Bless - Posted by: william cook (neighbour) on: Nov 06, 2022
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Dear Barbara, My thoughts are with you and your family on the passing of both Clarence and your daughter. I am so sorry. I always enjoyed our conversations whenever you, Clarence and I got together and can’t thank you both enough for all your stellar contributions to Winnipeg, Indigenous culture, the arts and community. Pat Bovey - Posted by: Patricia Bovey (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2022
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Dear Barbara, My thoughts are with you and your family on the passing of both Clarence and your daughter. I am so sorry. I always enjoyed our conversations whenever you, Clarence and I got together and can’t thank you both enough for all your stellar contributions to Winnipeg, Indigenous culture, the arts and community. Pat Bovey - Posted by: Patricia Bovey (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2022
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I worked with Clarence on the board of the Winnipeg Boys and Girls Club for many years. He and his wife, Barb and family were also wonderful teachers in the Summer Bear Troupe who taught school children to really understand the meaning of the POW WOW. He and his daughter, Rebecca will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences. Shirley McDonald - Posted by: Shirley McDonald (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2022
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My deepest condolences to Clarence’s family and friends. A fine and good person gone too soon. He and his family are in my thoughts. Therese - Posted by: Therese Lajeunesse (Friend) on: Nov 05, 2022
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We were very sad to hear about Clarence, our sincere condolences to the family. It must be very hard losing family so close together. Rebecca and Clarence are in the spirit world now. - Posted by: Mary, David and Family Ireland (Family) on: Nov 05, 2022
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It is with heavy heart that I learn of Clarence's passing. I will always remember his ready smile & joking manner. He was always a role model for those wishing to do good for mankind. Please accept my deepest condolences to you & your family. God bless! - Posted by: denis lamirande (FRIEND) on: Nov 05, 2022
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