MYERS HANDORGAN

Niigaanaabineshkang Akiiwenzi
(Mooze Odoodeman)
Niigaanaabineshkang Akiiwenzi (Mooze Odoodeman) Myers Handorgan, 67, of Big Island First Nation, Ont., passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont.
Myers was born Dec. 29, 1940 in Morson, Ont. to the late William (Bill) and Clara Handorgan. He spent his early life working in the bush in Minnesota.
Myers loved hunting and fishing, and offered his services as a guide for many years. He also was an Elder and called upon by many of the First Nations for his knowledge and experience of cultural traditions.
He worked hard all of his life, was very kind, and had many qualities and characteristics that family and friends will miss. People who visited him will remember his great sense of humour and positive outlook on life that he shared with them.
Myers always would go out of his ways to help people, including traditional healing circles that he worked at in both Ontario and Minnesota.
In 1981, he met Marian Medicine, whom he has since shared his life with. At home, he loved being with his children and grandchildren, and often would be found with them at many of their activities, including skating and country fairs in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.
Myers also was known once in a while to enjoy Bingo.
He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
He was predeceased by one sister, Agnes Benedix; and two brothers, Bernard Handorgan and Richard Mandamin.
Myers is survived by his partner, Marian Medicine of Big Island First Nation, Ont.; children, Arnold Kingbird and wife, Becky, of Nickicousemenecaning First Nation, Ont., Darryl Medicine and Lorraine Morrison of Big Island First Nation, Ont., Dave Medicine Jr. of Thunder Bay, Ont., Fabian Kingbird of Red Lake, Mn., Glendoris Medicine and Doug McDonald of Thunder Bay, Ont., Arland Medicine of Bemidji, Mn., Myron Medicine and wife, Rhoda Archie, of Fort Frances, ON., and Sylvia Medicine of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Also surviving are three grandsons, Terrance, Nathan, and Shawn Medicine; numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Handorgan and wife, Joanne, of Big Island First Nation, Ont.; three sisters, Gladys DeBungie and Perry Archie, Margaret Yerxa, and Rose Marie and husband, Clifford Tuesday, all of Big Island First Nation, Ont.; and nieces and nephews.
A traditional burial ritual was held Saturday, July 26, 2008 in the morning at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall. Elder George Boshkaykin officiated, with burial in Big Island First Nation Cemetery.
A wake was held on Friday evening, July 25, 2008, at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall.
The pallbearers were Arland Medicine, Myron Medicine, Wesley Big George, Reggie Morrison, Louis Kirkrude, and John Copenace.
The honourary pallbearers were Myers’ family and friends.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o the Rainy River Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com