David DeBungee, 68, of the Nahmay (Sturgeon) Clan, Poondaweweidang Pikojikwiiwens, of Manitou Rapids, Rainy River First Nations, Ont., passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
David was born Feb. 28, 1940 in Manitou Rapids to the late Ben and Irene DeBungee, and lived most of his life in the community.
In his earlier years, he cut pulpwood in Minnesota and surveyed land in Ontario. He worked for a period of time at the Manitou Rapids sawmill, and also as caretaker at the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre in Stratton, Ont.
David later met Lorraine Cochrane and together they raised their family.
David truly accepted his step-children and step-grandchildren, and cared for them as much as he did for his own. David was well-respected by his family, relatives, and friends alike, and was known for his heritage and traditional beliefs and customs from which he was raised.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Jack and Ralph; and one sister, Jessie.
David is survived by his spouse, Lorraine Cochrane of Manitou Rapids First Nation; and by his stepson, Harvey Cochrane Sr., and stepdaughters, Nicole (Stan) and April Cochrane, all of Manitou Rapids First Nation.
Also surviving are 10 step-grandchildren, Curtis, Cheyenne, Harvey Jr., and Erika Cochrane, Dessa, Dayna, and Taylor Vlotaros, and Connor, Kristian, and Brennan Jourdain; and two step-great grandchildren, Ethan Hawk-Cochrane and Lexus Skead.
David also is survived by one daughter, Darlene (John) Gibbons of Morson, Ont.; five grandchildren, Jules, Tamara, Janessa, Britney, and Courtney; two great-grandchildren, Lezaya and Kirsten; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A traditional burial ritual will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Manitou Rapids Rainy River First Nations gymnasium. Elder Peter White will officiate, with burial in the Manitou Rapids Rainy River First Nation Cemetery.
A wake will be held Tuesday evening, May 13, 2008 at the Manitou Rapids Rainy River First Nations gymnasium.
The pallbearers will be Harvey Cochrane Sr., Robert Handorgan, Gordon Medicine, Richard Debungie, Joe Hunter, and Albert Hunter Sr.
The honourary pallbearers will be family and friends of David.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Kenora-Rainy River Lung Association, P.O. Box 67, Kenora, Ont., P9N 3X4 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
foto
