Ma’iingaan Russell John White Shiishiib (duck) clan
MAY 20, 1971 – SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
May 20, 1971 – September 21, 2021 With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Ma’iingaan Russell John White on September 21, 2021, early in the morning in Thunder Bay.
Russell moved to Thunder Bay in August to attend Confederation College to complete a Native Child & Welfare Services program. After a month of staying in a motel and struggling to find an affordable apartment, he decided to move in with his brother, Conrad. However, on September 21, 2021, his daughters learned from Thunder Bay police that he had passed away. They then relayed this tragic information to the rest of his family.
Russell enjoyed spending time with his family and friends whenever he could. If he was unable to visit, he would call countless times until those he wanted to speak to either spoke to him or told him when he should call them back. Russell loved listening to music and singing out of key. Furthermore, he loved walking but typically only on errands. He enjoyed playing with his cat, Dreamer, who showed his own affection for Russell by making several trips from his new home to Russell’s home to spend time with him when he lived in Winnipeg. He was immensely proud of his children and loved to brag about them whenever he could. At celebrations for his children’s accomplishments, he was often seen either repeatedly congratulating his children or crying from happiness. Russell loved to joke and frequently made-up elaborate stories to make himself or others laugh especially if someone was feeling upset. Russell was usually relied upon to disclose any new knowledge he found out from his friends to the rest of his family because he loved telling others about new information.
Russell had three children with his ex-partner, Cindy. In high school, Russell competed in sports and he was proud to compete on a grade 12 team while he was in grade 11. He completed his high school education and graduated in 1997 from Baibombeh School in his home reserve, Whitefish Bay. He continued on to college but found he was not yet ready and left. Despite this, he returned to Confederation College in September 2021 to complete and receive his college diploma for Native Child and Family Services before he passed away. Russell was very helpful to both his friends and family. On numerous occasions, Russell opened his home to his friends when they were in need and provided for his family financially whenever he could. If this was not possible, he helped in small ways, such as fetching groceries from nearby stores.
Russell is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Alfred and Mary; his maternal grandparents, John and Maggie White; and his father Louie Morrison. Uncles: Maynard McCleod, Freeman “Tony” White Sr., Dennis White, Larry Morrison. Aunties: Evelyn White (nee Joseph), Evelyn Cowley, Lorraine Kelly, Stella Morrison, Alice Morrison, and Anna Marie Belanger. Cousins: Daniel “Hoss” White, Ryan White, and Dale Jack, Ogimaabines White.
Russell leaves to mourn the mother of his children: Cindy; his mother: Shirley “Hossum” White; his three children: Ocean, Trina, and Lynxx; his siblings: Conrad (Sam), Liza (Stan), Birdie, and Priscilla (Patrick). Russell’s nephews: Eagle (Chelsea), Jared (Chantelle), Kyle, Brandon, Montana, Casper, Randell; nieces: Ivory (Kris), Connie(Issac), Cami (Eugene), Rain, Dee-dee (Myron), Janessa. Uncles: Andy (Caroline), and Clarence “Cheboz” White Sr. Aunt: Shasha (Gordie). Cousins, whom he considered siblings: Farrell (Verna), Toni, Elaine, Keith, Randy (Claudine), Rhonda, Wobby (Charlene), Mandy, A.J. (Crystal), Miinas (Jojo), Goose (Chris), Gray-fox (Jayd), Pammy, Sonny (Marilyn), Tina, Marge (Jon), Rene, Stephanie, Jeffrey (Chrysta), Jim, Dino, Tami (Josh), Kyle, Eugene (Natasha), Clayton (Robin), Timmy, Garret, Kingsley (Rachel) and Allah.
A traditional wake will occur at Kii’eshkitabaning (Agaaming – Lobstick Bay Road) North of Sioux Narrows, Ontario, on Sunday, October 3rd. The funeral Monday, October 4th. After the funeral service we will proceed to take Russell to his resting site, within Kii’eshkitabaning.
Russell’s family would like to thank confederation college, where they paid their respects to Russell by lowering their flags to half-mast, Thunder Bay Police Department, where Detective Popowich worked tirelessly to locate his family during the day he passed away, Toronto’s coronary office for determining his cause of death, the White family for all their support, and Browns funeral home for preparing Russell’s body for the wake and funeral. Additionally, we would like to thank Naotkamegwanning Chief and Council, Band Office, Health Services for their assistance during this time.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the White family.