It is with great sorrow the family of Ernie Joseph Wanakamik announces his passing on Thursday, March 12, 2015 after a battle with prostate cancer. Fondly called “TaDah”, Ernie was born March 20, 1949 at Willet, Ontario.
He lived in Armstrong and recently resided in Thunder Bay. Ernie attended MacIntosh Residential School and graduated from Churchill High School. He is survived by daughters Tanya, Stephanie (Lester Bouchard) and son Joshua, grandchildren Erin, Jordan, Keon, Kieran, Devon, Dylan and great grandson, Cole, sisters, Helen (Charlie), Victoria, Beatrice, Edna (Jim), Annette (Don), and brother Lawrence (Donna). Predeceased by parents Josephine (nee Mimeault), Frederick Wanakamik, first wife, Emma Coon and second partner Elaine Fenton, siblings Marceline, Charlotte, Alex, Maggie, Victor, Emile and numerous nieces, nephews.
Ernie led Whitesand First Nation; serving as Chief and past was a current Band Councillor. In his career Ernie was a written force to be reckoned with holding positions at Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic, Whitesand Economic Development, Sagatay Silvaculture, and Little Jackfish Project. He volunteered tremendously and was a founding board member of Dilico.
Ernie was an amazing athlete who led many to the baseball fields. His love for family was strong, his laughter and smiles were heartfelt and he could be found reading, completing crosswords, watching hockey or baseball and visiting the casino.
Thank you to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Thunder Bay Cancer Care, Dilico Health Services, and Community Care Access Centre, specifically Dr. Leishman, Dr. Miller and Whitesand First Nation.
A full celebration of life will be held in Armstrong at Our Lady of the Snows on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 11:00 am, Father McWatch presiding. Visitation will be held in Thunder Bay and Armstrong. At Sargent & Sons, Saturday at 10:00-11:00 am and at Whitesand First Nation 61 Migizi Meekana Dr. on Monday at 2:00 pm.
