Obituary of Ralph Chief Akiwenzie

AKIWENZIE, CHIEF Ralph Ernestof Cape Croker passed away peacefully with family by his side at 8:20 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2011 6 days before his 65th birthday. Cherished brother of Jean of Oshawa, Rhonda of Toronto, Helen of Owen Sound, Donna Lynne of Toronto and step-brother of Orland of Toronto. Beloved nephew of Michael (Marge) Akiwenzie of Sault Ste. Marie, Harold Lamorandiere of Barrie and Ernestine (Lenny) Baldwin of Barrie. He will be sadly missed by nieces and nephews Michael of Curve Lake, Tarah of Toronto, Wilfred of Toronto, twins Lyndon of Prince Edward Island and Leah of Owen Sound, Danielle of Owen Sound, Priscilla Lynne of Toronto, Billie Jo Solomon of Winnipeg, Murrie-Jo Ducharme of Winnipeg, Murray Jr. of Wininipeg and Mickey of Winnipeg, great nieces and nephews Donna Jacobs of Curve Lake, Jenelle of Owen Sound and Michael of Toronto as well as many great nieces and nephews of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his parents Donna (Lamorandiere) and Ernest Akiwenzie and brothers Carman and Murray.After graduating grade 13 at Wiarton & District High School, Chief Akiwenzie was the first native in Ontario to graduate from the Stratford Teachers College. After teaching in Stratford for 2 years, he returned to Cape Croker and continued to advocate for and teach his culture and language for 17 years, and obtained his Native Language Diploma through Lakehead University. Chief Akiwenzie was a strong community leader serving on Band Council for many years and then as Chief for 22 years.Visitation will be held at Chippewas of Nawash Community Centre, Cape Croker on Sunday March 6, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, March 7, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, Wiarton. Donations made to the Maadookii Senior Centre or Nawash Scholarship Fund would be appreciated by the family as expressions of sympathy. Condolences may be sent to the family through the link below. I would like to Send Condolences Back to Notices Home | History | Services | Our Facilities | Notices | Contact Us | Links