‘Don’
Ogima Makwa of the Elk Clan
August 3, 1973 - December 14, 2025
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, papa, and friend. Don began his spirit journey at the age of 52.
Don leaves to mourn, his wife, Mary of 31 years and children Darian, Misty, Trista, Bianca, and Freya; sisters, Kelly (Clarence) Lavallee, Loretta (George) Traverse and Judy Dorion; brother Dale (Marsha) Tarty; brother-in-law Clarence (Charlene) Rempel; aunties, Stella Woodhouse, Freda Campbell and Ethel (Robert) Campbell; uncle Conrad (Norma) Gabriel; special friend Anthony Depaulo, and a very special little Aunty Joyce (Garry) Catcheway. He was close to his nephew Leonard Gabriel and nieces Chezlynn (Travis) Lavallee, Deana and baby Summer. His best friend Dave Genaille.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Maryanne “Dorothy” Gabriel and John Tarty; brother Kevin Tarty; sister Patricia Tarty; nephews, Dwayne Lavallee and Jordan Traverse; niece Rocelyn Gabriel; sister-in-law Nancy Lynn Rempel; brother-in-law Perry Dorion; Don made his journey a day before his mother-in-law Lorraine Depaulo and they'll be travelling together. Also Don’s dogs, Teddy and Koda left one week before him.
Don was raised on McLeod Island, where his love for life on the land began. From a young age, he was taught how to survive, hunt, and live in true nature. The wilderness was his second home, and his spirit was strongest when he was on the land camping, hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, skidoo riding, and quad riding. Providing food for his family was sacred to him, and he carried pride in his bow hunting skills. For many years, Don worked as a heavy equipment operator in Edmonton to provide for his family, yet no matter where he traveled, his heart always returned to the land. His freezer was always rich with wild meat.
Don shared his knowledge freely. He taught many people how to hunt and trap, passing down skills, stories, and a deep respect for the land. He wasn't afraid to venture far into the bush, spending days out in the wild doing what he loved most. He was more than happy to share lessons passed down through experience. He cherished the time hunting with his friends, especially Garry. Don had a big heart and a helping spirit, always ready to help out when asked. He leaves behind a great emptiness in our hearts and in our circle. He will be missed deeply, remembered always, and carried with us in love as we continue to walk this life without him.
Family viewing: Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Ashern, Manitoba
Traditional Celebration of Life: Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Skownan Hall, Skownan, Manitoba
Active Pallbearers:
Darian Tarty, Clarence Lavallee, Lloyd Lavallee, Anthony Catcheway, Dave Genaille, Anthony Depaulo, Garry Catcheway, Dale Tarty, Tyler Tarty, Franklin Catcheway.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Arnold “Chocky” Catcheway, Dave Genaille, Anthony Catcheway, Dawson Maud, Morene Gabriel, Leonard Gabriel, Franklin Catcheway, Anthony Depaulo, Shayne Lavallee, Rupert Houle, Percy Houle, Dennis “Duck” St. Paul, Laureen Catcheway, Rychelle Catcheway, Chelsea Catcheway, Shelly Catcheway, Samantha Gabriel, Lindsey Traverse, Christopher Traverse, Shania Tarty, Tyler Tarty, Mindy Dorion, Mandy Dorion, Kreg Dorion, Gary Dorion, Jared Dorion, Cindy Dorion, Sharon Gabriel, Connie Gabriel, Olivia Gabriel, Chanelle Lavallee, Preston Catcheway, Robert Houle, Lynette Gabriel, Harley Gabriel, Waylon Gabriel, Ainsley Traverse, Cameron Catcheway, Brittany Catcheway, Sylvia Catcheway, all who knew and loved him
Fire Keepers:
Clarence Lavallee, Lloyd Lavallee, Terry Thomas, Austin Maud, Vicki Catcheway, Angela Catcheway, Anthony Depaulo.
Pipe Carriers and Drum Carriers to guide Don on his journey:
Misty Tarty, Chezlynn Lavallee, Blaine Catcheway, and Paisley Tarty, Leona Catcheway, Avery Gabriel, Duck St.Paul, Ivan Dyck, Marvin Catcheway
Kitchi Meegwetch to the people who brought wood and tobacco for his sacred fire and bringing comfort to our family.
Never Say Goodbye
There can be no goodbyes for us
It’d be too painful, dear
Our connection still lives on
Although you’re far from here.
I miss the times that we once had
But one day, once again
I’ll hold you close and laugh with you
I just wish I knew when
Each moment ‘til that day arrives
Until my time is through
I’ll miss you more than words can say
And always think of you
I’ll look for you among the stars,
And each dawn’s pastel sky,
And whisper words of love to you,
But never say goodbye.
