Harlan Edward Kahgee Jr. passed away at home on Monday, July 13, 2020 in Thunder Bay, Ontario at the young age of 19.
Harlan aka “Beefy” to many and by his Nishinawabe name was Kapeh’sheekooch Maheegun / Lonewolf was born at McKellar Hospital on March 3, 2001. He attended Eagle Nest Elementary and Marjorie Mills Public school in Longlac. He, also, attended Geraldton Composite High School, Westgate and Churchill High Schools. Most recently, he was completing his Grade 12 through Lakehead Adult Education Centre.
His first jobs were in Ginoogaming First Nation. Harlan and his family relocated to Thunder Bay in August 2016. He worked for The Prospector and more recently was employed by JJ’s Restaurant.
Harlan was an athlete; involved in hockey, karate and football in his younger years. He found his passion in boxing; he was dedicated and very committed. He boxed for the Underground Gym and had also attended numerous tournaments. First, in Orillia, Ontario at the Winter Games in 2018, then in Toronto and Winnipeg – winning multiple medals at the tournaments.
His Mentor/Coach, Peter Panetta, succeeded in making Harlan’s dreams come true. Harlan won the Aboriginal Youth Achievement and Recognition Award for “Athletic Excellence” in May 2018. In 2017, he was awarded the “Talent Identified Athletic” Award by Boxing Ontario. In 2019, Harlan completed the Certified Boxer Training Course and became a certified trainer. He assisted in setting up a boxing program in Mishkeegogamang First Nation for the youth, as well as training kids at the Underground Gym.
Harlan was loved by many and had so many friends from all over. He loved fishing often spending hours and hours at the bridge and waterfront in Ginoogaming, as well as out on the lake with his family. Harlan had the hugest, brightest smile that could light up any room and change anyone’s mood. He loved to write his own songs. He also loved the bush, trapping and hunting. Last month, Harlan visited Longlac and Ginoogaming spending days in the bush learning to live off the land with his cousin, Mason. He spent the March Break with his lifetime best friend, Jermaine Dore, taking the Headstart kids out to set rabbit snares.
Survived by his brother Bryan Kahgee (Myra Esquaga), sisters Aylin Kahgee (Lance Abraham), Cassandra and Ashley Partridge. Grandparents Theodore and Penny Martin. Also, survived by numerous Uncles, Aunts and cousins – too many to name. Harlan Jr. is predeceased by his older sister Maggie, Aunties Nina and Rhonda Kahgee, Grandma Margaret Kahgee and Grandfather Ron Mandowaub of Saugeen First Nation.
As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, the attendance at the funeral is restricted to 30 per cent capacity or less and a record of attendance must be maintained. Wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the services.
Visitations will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home on Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and on Sunday, July 19, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and the service will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 3:00 pm for Harlan Jr. In lieu of flowers donations can made to the Underground Gym http://www.undergroundgym.ca/.
