Raymond Douglas “Paicoogabo” Copenace, 48, of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont., passed away on Monday, April 23, 2007 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont.
With regret and sadness, we will forever miss you . . . loved by mom, Lucy Copenace; siblings, Josephine Copenace, Dennis Copenace (Karilyn Jack), Curtis Copenace, Lucille Copenace (Stephe McKinney), and Terry Copenace (Jana Yerxa); nieces, Tanya, Tashena, Amanda, MaryLou, and Stacey; nephews, Peter, Cody, Nathan, Tristan, and Dennis Jr.; and all the little relations.
Ray was born July 6, 1958 to Lucy Kirkrude and Fred Joseph Copanace. His parents were married on May 30, 1960.
Ray graduated from Grade 12 in 1978 from Rainy River High School. He attended BSU and transferred to Confederation College, where he was in the Business Administration program.
Ray was hired by Big Grassy River First Nation in 1988 as assistant band manager until current of 2007. Ray had every intention of returning to Confederation College to get his one credit to graduate, but never did as he enjoyed working full-time.
Ray also was very athletic and an avid sportsman. He achieved a black stripe in Tae Kwon Do in Stratton. Ray, during his lifetime, also did commercial fishing, guiding, rice picking, angling, and ice fishing, where he had some wild stories of catching the big ones.
He enjoyed his casinos, and also enjoyed hunting trips with our late father, Fred, and his brothers, Dennis, Curtis, and Terry, and nephews, Peter Copenace and Nathan Jack, along with many cousins, friends, and co-workers.
Daily enjoyments were reading up on the current events in his daily and weekly newspapers. Ray also thoroughly enjoyed taping pow-wow songs and attending pow-wows.
He also paid special attention to his many great-nephews, nieces, and all children from other extended families and friends.
Most of all Ray, we will remember your smile, generosity, and kindness. As we reflect, Ray never had any complaints.
Ray, your legacy of love and sense of humour will be remembered and passed on to future generations. We love you Ray . . . forever remembered and we cherish the time you had with us.
We would like to thank Dr. Singleton, Dr. Bellar, Dr. Boak (Thunder Bay), Dr. Watson (Thunder Bay), and many more specialists and nursing staff. Special mention to the chief and council of Big Grassy River First Nation and all his co-workers.
Meegwetch to all who showed their support to our family.
Ray was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Edward and Marie Kirkrude; paternal grandparents, Ben and Jane Copenace; great-grandfather, Billy Archie; uncles, Ole Kirkrude, Edward Kirkrude Jr., Jimmy, William, Rodney, Daniel, Richard, and Private Robert Copenace; and aunties, Virginia and Rosemarie Copenace, and Nancy Kirkrude.
He leaves behind his mother, Lucy Copenace of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont.; three brothers, Dennis Copenace (Karilyn Jack) and Curtis Copenace, all of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont., and Terry Copenace (Jana Yerxa) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and two sisters, Josephine Copenace of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont. and Lucille Copenace and (Steve McKinney) of Winnipeg, Man.
Also surviving are aunties, Yvonne Jack, Edna Indian, Florence Gibbins, Stella Tuesday, Marie Big George, Melvina Copenace, and his traditional auntie, Kathleen Greene (Shoal Lake); uncles, Albert Kirkrude, and Alvin and Ernest Copenace, and his traditional uncle, Jerry Mosher; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A wake was held Thursday evening, April 26, 2007 at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall in Big Grassy First Nation.
A traditional burial ritual was held on Friday, April 27, 2007 in the morning at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall. Elders Robin and Kathleen Greene officiated, with burial in the Big Grassy First Nation Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Kenny Kakeeway, Vernon Copenace, Elvis Debungie, Timothy Copenace, Elliott Cobiness, and Ernest Cobiness.
The honourary pallbearers were Colin Tom, James Eastman, Roy Tom, and Gary Tuesday Sr.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3MB.
Online condolences may be left at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
