ZAAGEWE-GIIZHIK FREDERICK JOSEPH ARCHIE

Zaagewe-Giizhik Frederick Joseph Archie, 41, of Big Grassy First Nation, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002 on Lake of the Woods near Raspberry Island.
He was found by his brother, Ron; son, Fred Jr.; cousin, John Copenace; and friend, Dave Medicine.
He was born July 17, 1961 in Rainy River, Ont.
Zaagewe-Giizhik had lived most of his life at Big Grassy. He attended Rainy River High School, Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, Herzing College in Winnipeg, Man., and the Steven Henningar College in Provo, Utah.
He had worked as a carpenter, heavy equipment operator, fishpacker and manager at the Big Grassy fishery, and as a commercial fisherman. He was known by his family and friends as Gwiiwizens and Bulldog.
Zaagewe-Giizhik had a strong belief in the traditional way of life. Fred also was a loving father who was proud of his children. As a young boy growing up, Fred loved the outdoors, which carried on into adulthood. He loved to hunt and fish.
Fred had a love for music and learned to play the guitar by ear at a young age. He spent his youth playing hockey, which he took pride in. Fred also was known for his humour, who loved to laugh and joke with his nieces and nephews.
He was the beloved son of Robert and Rosemarie; brother of Barbara (Albert), Beverly, and Ronald (Florene); loving husband to Valerie; father of Fred Jr., Tamara, Ruby, Ritchie, Ethan, and Ariel; and proud uncle to Rhoda, Robin, Albert Jr., Jeff, Trina, Kayleen, Paloma, Carlos, Star, Dailen, Robert John, Ronald Jr., Roman, Brande, Ronnie, Sky, and August.
He also leaves to mourn uncles, aunts, and numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his younger brother, Robert John; grandparents, Bob and Pauline Archie and Ben and Jane Copenace; six uncles; two aunts; and a nephew.
A traditional funeral service will be held Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall on Big Grassy First Nation. Elder Charlie Copenace will officiate, with interment of a traditional burial at the Big Grassy First Nation Cemetery.
A funeral wake will be held Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002 from 4 p.m. at the Big Grassy First Nation Hall.
Pallbearers will be John Copenace, Albert Wilson, Meyers Handorgan, James Comegan, Jeff Morrison, and Dave Medicine.