EPHREM JAMES WEBKAMIGAD Maheengun “Big E” July 25, 1961 – August 17, 2023 In loving memory of Ephrem James Webkamigad (Maheengun “Big E”) who passed away peacefully at Manitoulin Health Centre on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Predeceased by his parents Alfred Webkamigad and Lillian Mishibinijima. Survived by his son, Chad Pitawanakwat (Mallory) and grandson Ashton Pitawanakwat. Brother of Walter (Jean), Diane (Raymond predeceased), Myles (Virginia predeceased), George (Thelma), Blake, Regina (John) and Dominic. Godfather of Lyle Peltier, Jarrett Assiniwe and Felix Flamand. Also survived by his auntie Jo, uncle Howard, uncle Bill and uncle Peter. Ephrem had a double lung transplant in August 2016 and left this world a few days short for his lungversary. Upon his return home, he lovingly continued enhancing the pond known to family as the E-Dome. In the winter months, everyone anxiously waited for the pond to freeze. Many memories were created on the E-dome, hockey enjoyed by young and old. He will be sadly missed and remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ephrem started playing hockey as a child and he played the position of goalie, from minor hockey to sportsman league—Toronto Firebirds, Wiky Redmen, Kaboni Hawks and Wiky T-birds to name a few. In the off-season you would see E on the links, playing his other favourite sport, golf. He passed on his love for both sports by teaching and mentoring his younger family members. He also coached his son’s LNHL hockey team each March alongside his lifelong friend and cousin, Seniore Chris Pheasant baa. Chris baa would also called him Seniore as well. Oh, what a joyous reunion must be happening. Two peas in a pod back together. This spring, Ephrem befriended a fox hanging out on the property. His newfound pet he affectionately named Foxy Lady. He trained her to eat dog biscuits from his hand. In 2018 and 2019, he travelled to Sudbury at least once per week to go and watch his grandson, Ashton, play hockey. Besides his love for golf and hockey, Ephrem would enjoy the fall weather by attending to his blind at the far end of the property to hunt. Last summer, he had Oto and Char busy fixing the bush road that led to his hunting spot. He taught hunting skills to his godson, Felix, who was able to provide a moose to his family in the fall of 2022. The visitation and wake started at 2 pm on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Wiikwemkoong Arena. The funeral service was held on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. with Father Paul officiating at the Holy Cross Church. Cremation followed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations to the new Wiikwemkoong Elders’ Home Building Fund. To plant a tree in memory of Ephrem James Webkamigad, please go to https://www.islandfuneralhome.ca/obituary/Ephrem-Webkamigad/sympathy-landing.
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