DOUGLAS LEE ‘GAAKIIWAANIKWAD’ FAIRBANKS

DOUGLAS LEE ‘GAAKIIWAANIKWAD’ FAIRBANKS
It is with sorrowful hearts that we, the family of Douglas Lee “Gaakiiwaanikwad” Fairbanks, announce his passing at his home at Couchiching First Nation, Ont. on Sunday, March 11, 2007.
Douglas was born Aug. 5, 1956 in Bemidji, Mn. to John Fairbanks and June DeWitt. During his younger years, he lived on the Iron Range in Minnesota and attended junior high school in Walker, Mn.
He later enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served in the United States until his discharge.
Upon leaving the service, he worked in many areas providing excellent skills as a cook.
On Sept. 10, 1983, he was united in marriage to Deborah “Debbie” Yerxa in Fort Frances, Ont. and made their home in Fort Frances with their family of four children.
Doug worked in construction locally and at many tourist camps in the area. When not building, he always managed to utilize great cooking skills for others.
Doug also was trained in life skills, and worked for a time as a youth counsellor. He enjoyed living the traditional heritage and culture, and was a well-respected role model for his family and others within the community.
He always made time to enjoy dancing, drumming, hunting, and fishing with his family and friends. Doug was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, giving of himself completely and always able to lend a helping hand to anyone.
Doug enjoyed spending time with the Elders learning their teachings to pass on to family.
In many ways, Doug touched the lives of everyone he met regardless of age, and will be greatly missed by his family and everyone that knew him.
The Couchiching First Nation chief and council honoured Douglas as a member of the Couchiching First Nation on Dec. 6, 2006. Doug also was an active member, and a former board member, of the United Native Friendship Centre.
Doug is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Fairbanks of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; four children, Dan (Yerxa) Fairbanks and Angela (Robert) Tuesday of Couchiching First Nation, Ont., Jeremiah (Kari) Fairbanks of Fort Frances, Ont., and Jonathon Fairbanks of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; his mother, June, and Gordon Oslin and father, John Fairbanks of Cass Lake, Mn.; and six grandchildren, Shawannah, Shaelyn, Payten, and Alexa Tuesday, and Keyshawn and Shylar Fairbanks.
He also is survived by one sister, Jean (Ken) Jackson of Cloquet, Mn., and his traditional sister, Marlene Landon of Eagle Lake, Ont.; and three brothers, Leonard (Sandy) Hamlin of Duluth, Mn., and Rick (Mary-Pat) Christiansen and Bob Hyatt, all of Grand Rapids, Mn.; and nieces and nephews, Shayla Mobilia, Laura Earhart, Corinne Gornick-Heehn, Lynsey Gornick, Nathan Jackson, Samantha, Mikaela and Kimberly Hyatt, John, Caitlyin and Chastity Hamlin, and Troy and Derek Christansen.
He also is survived by his father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Florence Yerxa; brother-in-laws, Ed (Iline), Vernon (Sheila), Brian (Gerri), and James, Darren, and Randy, all of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; sister-in-laws, Wilma (Percy) Bird, Cheryl (John) Vandermeer, Charlene (Roland) Michano of Thunder Bay, Ont., Lori (Darcy) Kavanaugh, Wanda (Cory) McCabe, Panda (Brain) Whiteman of Bois Forte, Mn., and Krista (Jake) Fiesell of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by twin children, Michael and Michelle; and two brothers, Jeff Hamlin and Mike Hamlin.
A traditional burial ritual took place Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 9 a.m. at the Multi-Use Facility at Couchiching First Nation. Elder Jim Windego officiated, with burial in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Couchiching First Nation.
A wake was held Tuesday evening starting at 4 p.m. at the Multi-Use Facility at Couchiching First Nation.
The pallbearers were Daniel Yerxa, Jeremiah Fairbanks, Jonathon Fairbanks, Ed Yerxa, Rick Christiansen, Bob Hyatt, and Leonard Hamlin.
The honourary pallbearers were Jim Banks, Bill Yerxa, Sam Copenance, Arnold Pelly, Billy Boucher, Harry Windego, Bill Perrault, Allan Yerxa, and Roland Michano.
If family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the UMAYC Youth Group, United Native Friendship Centre, or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be left at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com