Jonathon David (Waabishki-maa’engan) (TOM) Ehwalt, 43, of Toronto, Ont., formerly of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont.
He was born Oct. 19, 1966 in Rainy River.
Jonathan will be remembered for his good sense of humour and kindness in the way he cared for others. He had a willingness and patience to help others by volunteering his time in Toronto working at the Casey House, Meals on Wheels, and engaging in public speaking on aboriginal self-identity awareness.
As a young man, he enlisted into the Canadian militia.
Jonathan honoured and recognized his Ojibwe culture and heritage, and loved his family and friends.
He was predeceased by father, Moses Tom; adoptive mother, Genevieve Ehwalt; and one sister, Pauline Big George.
Jonathan is survived by his mother, Bessie Tom of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont.; adoptive father, Peter Ehwalt of Toronto, Ont.; five brothers, Roy Tom and wife, Jane, of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont., Colin Tom of Thunder Bay, Ont., Patrick Tom of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont., Ron Tom of Wasaga Beach, Ont., and George Simard and wife, Priscilla, of Fort Frances, Ont.; and four sisters, Alison Tom (James Eastman) of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont., Nikki Gee and husband, Rob Harasemiw, of Winnipeg, Man., Naomi Braxton of Chicago, Ill., and Abigail and husband, Brian Halverson, of Big Grassy First Nation, Ont.
Numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins also survive.
A traditional burial service will be held Saturday, Dec.12, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall. Elder Calvin McIvor will officiate, with burial in Big Grassy First Nation Cemetery.
A wake will be held Friday evening, Dec. 11, 2009 at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall.
The pallbearers will be Jesse Tom, Colin Tom Jr., Dylan Simard, Tim Morrison, Dennis Big George, and James Eastman.
The honourary pallbearers will be Dylan Smith, Brian Hook, Brian Halverson, Ferrell Desrosiers, and Terry Tom.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Rainy River Funeral Home, P.O. Box 694, Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
