Sadly, the family announces the sudden passing of Elvis DeBungee, 56, of Rainy River First Nation, Ont., on Friday, May 3, 2013 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Elvis was born Dec. 12, 1956 in Emo, Ont. to Peter and Gladys DeBungee.
Elvis was a doting, loving, and proud father of his children, enjoying their achievements and sports as they grew into healthy young adults. He adored his granddaughters, and had the pleasure of caring for his first granddaughter, Hailey, who made the role of grandparent a special honour.
Elvis was employed as an addictions counsellor for Rainy River First Nation, his home community since birth. He was a model community member, working long hours to unify everyone young and old through sports, culture, music, and addiction-free activities.
He held annual horseshoe tournaments. He also was the founder of the Late Nite Jammers Band, with a gift to bellow out some George Jones and Billy Ray Cyrus tunes. He loved to jam with other musicians and through this made many lasting friends.
As a role model for sobriety and healthy living, Elvis eventually joined the Pow-wow Trail as a singer and traditional dancer. He attended many pow-wows in Canada and United States. Elvis was the leader of the Pow-wow Committee responsible for the annual pow-wow held every year in his community.
His annual sobriety walks and pow-wows brought many people together to share and hope for a better life.
Elvis also found time to go fishing, entering fish derbies with his brother, Wiisin. Somedays you could find him enjoying a game of golf.
His heart was with the young children, organizing hockey and baseball teams as a measure to instill resilience in them. He was liked by his colleagues at work, often bringing laughter with his jokes and teasing.
Elvis helped many, never turning one down, but always responding and believing that people can get over their problems and live a good life. He promoted kindness and sharing, and was a singer for many drum groups in the surrounding area.
His pride and dream for his Manitou Thunderbirds men’s fastball team was a new and modern baseball field.
He will be sadly missed by his children, Wade, Nakasha, Kyle, Nathan, Charlie, and Sheena; his adopted son, Alphonse Nolan; and special great-nephew, Daeton.
He also leaves five granddaughters.
Elvis also is survived by his parents, Peter (Mary) DeBungee and Gladys DeBungee; brother, Wesley (friend, Sam); sisters, Karen and Sharon; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Elvis was predeceased by his brothers, Brian (Boot), Thomas, and Peter (Zeek).
A traditional service was held Monday, May 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. from the Rainy River First Nation gymnasium, with Elder Gilbert Smith officiating.
Interment followed in the Rainy River First Nation Traditional Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Justin Boshey, Pat Skead, Brian Kabatay, Percy Bird, Blake Keesick, James Eastman, Roger Spencer, and Harvey Cochrane.
The honourary pallbearers were Bert Hunter, Joe Hunter, George Earth, Mudd Robinson, Murphy Thomas, Joe Medicine, Sonny McGinnis, Alton Brown, and many friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
