After a courageous battle with cancer, it is with great sadness that the family of Thomas James Chapais, 12, announces his passing.
With his family by his side, Thomas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Thomas was born Jan. 11, 2004 to Joanna Singleton and Francis Chapais.
Thomas was raised in Long Lake #58 First Nation for the first 10 years of his life, where he attended Migizi Elementary School. This is where he was moulded into the sweet, caring young boy we knew to love.
For the last two years of his life, Thomas lived on Couchiching First Nation, Ont. and attended Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.
He was very fond of his toys, Xbox, and his family and friends. He loved his outings with family, whether it was attending local baseball games, playing at the park, or bonfires in the yard.
He also was involved with youth drumming for a short time before being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in November, 2014.
While receiving treatments in Toronto, he got a special visit from the Toronto Maple Leafs and got to watch a game of the world junior hockey championship.
He also met a special friend named Grace, who had taken this journey one year prior, which truly inspired him. He fought this disease with courage, bravery, and with a smile on his face.
In May, 2016, Thomas had his “wish” come true. With the help from the surrounding communities, many organizations, and the Make a Wish Foundation, he was able to spend time with his family in Toronto, where he had the chance to meet the Toronto Blue Jays and his favourite player, Jose Bautista.
He had the time of his life.
Thomas leaves behind his parents, Joanna Singleton of Couchiching First Nation and Francis Chapais of Long Lake #58 First Nation; siblings, Anthony, Frances, Lester, Mariah, Raigan, Tamara, and Tayah; and grandparents, Pat Singleton and Vernon Bruyere of Couchiching First Nation, Johnny Bannatyne and Julie Sharpe of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Gilbert and Dorothy Legarde of Long Lake # 58 First Nation.
He also is survived by his niece, Kiara; aunts, Dianna (Sandy), Jennifer (Chris), Shannon, Sonja (Vincent), and Veronica; uncles, Kevin, John, Dominic (Liz), Cletus, James (Karen), and Arthur; and numerous cousins.
Thomas was predeceased by one brother; Trenton.
A wake will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 at 5 p.m. at the multi-use facility on Couchiching First Nation.
Services will be held Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 at 10 a.m., with a luncheon at noon. Cremation to follow the service.
An additional service will be held in Long Lake #58 First Nation at a later date.
The pallbearers will be Sandy Bruyere, John Singleton, Anthony Mainville, Chris Morrisseau, Donald Chapais, Conrad Chapais, and Dominic Chapais.
The honourary pallbearers will be Thomas’ family.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
