Mr. Jonah Thaddeus Keeash, age 65 years, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 with his family by his side.
Jonah was born on July 24, 1957 in Round Lake, Ontario. He started working at the Wawatay Native Communications Society in Sioux Lookout before moving on and Managing a Radio Station for many years, until retiring due to illness in 2019. Jonah loved music and storytelling, especially on air. He was also a very talented musician, playing the guitar or singing, which was a true passion. He was proud of his Native heritage and took joy in helping the Elders and Youth of his community. Above all else, family was his main focus. Spending time with his kids, grandkids and extended relatives always made him happy. Jonah had a wonderful sense of humour, and was loving, dedicated and hardworking. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jonah is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Lizzie (nee Bluecoat); his children Jolene (Calvin) and Deryk; grandchildren Akeira, Gavin, Kenny, Lincoln and Timothy; siblings Bella, Roy, Katie, Albert, Rehab, Deborah and adopted brother Jurgen Poesche. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends also survive. Jonah had a deep love for Anita Meekis, Brendan Petawanick and Camilla Benson who will all miss him too.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Daisy; parents, Josiah and Maryanne Keeash; his sister Dorothy and brother Hardy; granddaughter Trinity Kakekayash as well as numerous other relatives.
A Wake Service for Jonah will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 9:00am until 11:00am in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, Thunder Bay. He will then be transported to Weagamow Lake, where a Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 10 at 11:00am in the New Evangelical Fellowship Church. Interment will follow in the Community Cemetery.
