GARNET WAYNE COMEGAN

Surrounded by family and friends, Garnet Wayne Comegan (Pegamigaabo Gii-izhinikaazo, Zhiishiiban Ogii-odoodeminan) returned home to the spirit world on July 18, 2010 at 9:39 a.m.
He was born in Rainy River, Ont. on April 8, 1964 to Albert and Caroline (Handorgan) Comegan.
As a proud member of Big Grassy First Nation, his values were firmly entrenched on family and friends, the Church of Latter Day Saints, and lifelong learning events.
For his love of life, he pursued his dreams to the fullest extent possible.
After graduating from Rainy River High School, he set out to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, completing his Bachelor of Arts program with a major in public relations. While there, he took time out to go on a mission as a missionary in the Denver, Colo. region for a period of 18 months.
There he joined the Lamanite Generation, a dancing troupe, where he learned the hoop dance.
Along with his dancing troupe, he travelled to numerous countries, such as Australia, Germany, Fiji, Czechoslovakia (in Prague during the Iron Curtain era), Brazil, Peru, Chili, Mexico, Yugoslavia, Austria, and many parts of the United States, including Hawaii, to name a few.
Eventually, on Sept. 6, 2003, at the third-annual Eastern North American Hoop Dance Championship in Powhaten Renape Nation, he won first place. When asked, he would perform his hoop dance at various pow-wows in the Treaty #3 area.
His love of drama included roles in “Cowboys and Indians—the J.J Harper Story” and “Elijah Harper.”
He made you feel that anything was possible. His favourite words “go for it.”
Prior to his passing, Garnet was employed with the Red Lake Tribal Courts in Red Lake, Mn. as a Juvenile Associate Judge for eight years. During this time, he obtained a Juris doctorate law degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Mn.
He worked at Treaty #3 as a supervisor for the negotiation team. In Salt Lake City, he was a public relations officer for the Cancer Society. And for a short time, he was employed with Weechi-it-te-win Family Services.
His favourite pastimes were volunteering in any capacity, attending pow-wows, going to concerts, listening to music, and spending time with his pet dog, Buddy. Family and close friends remember his love for laughter. Time and time again, he showed a kind heartedness for his fellow man.
He travelled many roads, but he always came home.
In loving memory of you, may you rest in peace. You will be sorely missed by family and friends.
A wake will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the Big Grassy First Nation Community Hall, with services to follow on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 10 a.m., with a traditional service beginning at 11 a.m.
Interment will take place in Morson Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Dennis Big George, Ryan Big George, Sean Comegan, Darnell Comegan, Jaysen Indian, and David Paul III.
The honourary pallbearers will be his friends from the Lamanite Generation.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com