JOHN ZHAAWANOGAABO (‘UNCLE MONKEY’) COPENACE Atik dodem (Elk clan)

Copenace, John

Father, granddad, brother, son, uncle, cousin, friend to many, and band councillor at Big Grassy First Nation.
Born on Aug. 11, 1968 to Melvina Copenace and Kenneth Big George (both deceased), John entered the spirit world on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 on his beloved Lake of the Woods near Manitou Island.
He will be remembered by his cherished children, Cheyenne, Johnny, Muriel, Jaylin, Jake, Alaina, Stephanie, Tyler, and Jason.
Sharing the sadness of John’s sudden passing are his siblings, Lorraine, David, Carol, Fred, Sherrise (Brad), Shannon, Vanessa (Paul), and Lindsay (Marcel).
He was predeceased by his brothers, Donald, Albert, and Marshall.
His adopted family are Genevieve (Mom), Leona McGinnis, Bev Wilson (Al), Agnes Grover (Gilbert), Sonny McGinnis (Mirinda), and Will McGinnis (Tina); and sister, Chantal Batt.
John was always busy and helping people. He worked as a commercial fisherman, chef, and elders’ helper at Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park.
He was a Sundancer, member of the Midewiwin Society, and traditional knowledge keeper, who always was eager to learn, teach, and share his Anishnaabe language, culture, and songs with the next generation.
He was the lead singer of the Big Island Traditional Drum, and the leader in bringing the songs and teachings of his elders back to his community. He looked forward to the children of Big Grassy and Big Island performing a play in Anishnabemowin.
John was a quiet, kind-hearted, and generous soul who gave great hugs because he meant them from his heart. He also loved eating bananas.
The pallbearers were Ted Atatise, Chris Reeves, Carl Maytawashing, David Paul III, Daniel Andy, and Greywolf Cameron.
John will be enormously missed by his family, friends, and the Lake of the Woods and Sundance communities.
May your spirit soar and continue to guide us, John. Gigawabamigo minawa, Zhaawanogaabo.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com