Johnny Namaypoke
JUNE 2, 1940 – JANUARY 5, 2022
Johnny Harry Namaypoke – Kipite Kiishik, Atik Dotam June 2, 1940 – January 5, 2022
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of my husband, our beloved father, papa, great papa, uncle and brother, Johnny.
Johnny was born in Emo, Ontario and has many relations in Manitou Rapids FN and into the United States. After his father passed on, he moved and grew up in Whitefish Bay where his mother was from. He took great pride in his children and loved them very much. He would call them daily just to check on them making sure they had what they needed. His children remember him for being a teacher. He taught them to drive a car and a boat. He taught them to skate and play hockey. He taught them about life. He was a hero to his daughters and their first love. He was a quiet and humble man that spoke only when he felt like something needed to be said. He was funny in a nonchalant sort of way and looked for ways to make people laugh. Above all, he had everyone’s respect. Johnny took great pride in traditional practices like fishing hunting and trapping. Later in life, he took an interest in his cultural background and participated in traditional ceremonies to learn more. This led to him becoming a member of the Midewiwin Society. In his younger years, Johnny worked in many of the surrounding camps as a guide, he was a highly admired hockey player, an All-Star with the Pawitik Seals and Whitefish Bay Rangers when he took part in the All-Ontario Native Hockey tournaments in the eastern cities and Manitoba. He was a residential and day school survivor later attaining a high school diploma and was a certified heavy equipment operator. Johnny worked 30+ years as a Welfare Administrator and after retiring, as a Community Corrections Worker. His favorite past time was travelling to powwows, camping, attending casinos and playing bingo. The journey itself was his greatest pleasure. Johnny, also known as Joobalaaski by his childhood friends, was predeceased by his father, Harry Namaypoke and mother, Kathleen Crow, step-father, Albert Crow. His brothers, Bobby Namaypoke, Roy Crow, Private Eddie Namaypoke, sister Nora, daughter Jewel, and grandson Castor. His grandparents Peter and Maggie White, and son Melvin Joseph. His other brothers and sisters, George, Joe, David, Pete, Mito, Alberta, Mary, Ada, Josephine and Joe Morrison.
Left to honor his memory is his wife of many years, Glenda Mae Cowley and his children; Daryl Hannah, Jillian, Roman (Linda), Tam, Dale (Shannon), Tanya (Mike), Jonathan, Guy and Barry Henry, and Patrick and Rosemary Joseph. Johnny also loved his grandchildren; Mario (Terena), Laval, Darien, Darius, Tsase, Isaac, Zane, Malakai, Clarialee, Jewell, Mercedez (Ryan), Jagger, Patrina, Brent and Jaxxon. His great-grandchildren; Torrey, Drew, Novah and Kataleya. His best friends/brothers and sisters; Lulubelle Namaypoke, Theresa Girou, Betty Ann Crow, Allan (Peewee) and Phyllis Crow. His nephews and nieces; Robert (Lorna), Jackie (James), Verna (Farrell), Donna (Dennis), Rosie (Jason), Aris (Silvia), Zoi (Mohammond) Cathy (Rudy), Nathan, Byron (Cecile), Raven (Siege), Janelle (Stewart), Angie, Rodney (Billie), Bruce (Sandra), Roberta, Wayne (Denise), Maxine, Ian (Marietta), and Scott and their children and grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn, his niichii’s; Murphy Paypompee, Leonard White, Leslie (Wasa) Copenace, Frank Sandy, Chuck Sandy, and Ferdinand Sandy.
We would like to say Chi Miigwetch to all who have shown support in our time of sorrow and to the Naotkamegwanning EMS, Whitefish Bay Chief & Council, the home and community care staff, Mary-Lorraine Jourdain, Arvel White and his special friend Debbie Meekis.
We will miss you dearly Johnny, Journey Well.
A Traditional Midewiin wake and funeral ceremony will be conducted by Mide'kiwenzie of Ki'eshgitabaaning with his helpers beginning on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Peshigoneb Cultural Centre with the Funeral Service being held on Sunday, January 9, 2022 beginning at 11:00 am with burial to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Namaypoke family.