Espanola man charged in death of popular Wiky church organist
BUZWAH—Wiikwemkoong lost a cherished elder after a hit-and-run incident on Wikwemikong Way last Tuesday. He was 67 years old.
Joseph Thomas Neshkewe was walking on the road near Buzwah at about 7:40 pm on December 4 when he was hit by a driver. The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service responded to the incident and found Mr. Neshkewe. He was transported to hospital where he later died. The driver of the car had already left the scene when police arrived.
Police have now charged 63-year-old Raynald Perron, of Espanola, with failure to stop at scene of accident involving death, which contravenes section 252(1.3)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC), and causing death by criminal negligence, contrary to section 220(b) of the CC.
Investigators managed to identify the accused individual and arrested him on Friday, December 7. Mr. Perron will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on January 23, 2019.
This is the third hit-and-run on the Island since the summer. On July 20, a Sheguiandah woman was hit by an alleged impaired driver. Then, on November 23, a woman was hit while jogging in Little Current after a driver allegedly ran a stop sign. That motorist has yet to be found by police. The victims of the first two incidents have both survived their ordeals.
Almost immediately following the incident, tributes began to circulate on social media of individuals’ fond memories of Mr. Neshkewe as a relative, mentor, musician and friend.
Audrey Ozawabineshi publicly shared a video of Mr. Neshkewe playing piano that had been uploaded to Facebook by Tanya Osawanimiki. It was recorded earlier in the week.
“A very talented musician and one that was very special when it came to singing in the language for the masses and wakes and funerals,” wrote Ms. Ozawabineshi. “May the Good Lord/Zhemnidoo bring you to your everlasting home and may your family and friends greet you where you will find peace forever more.”
Amanda Roy also shared her thoughts on the video, posting her memories of Mr. Neshkewe’s demeanor.
“He never got upset or angry when we’d play around on the organ when we were kids and instead would try to teach us some notes or would play something for us,” Ms. Roy wrote.
Many of Mr. Neshkewe’s services to the community involved his musical talents on the organ at churches around Manitoulin, especially in Wiikwemkoong. According to his obituary, he helped to look after the church in Buzwah. In 2011, Mr. Neshkewe won the Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Award.
His funeral took place on Monday, December 10 at Holy Cross Church in Wiikwemkoongsing. Father Paul Robson told The Expositor that Mr. Neshkewe’s passing will leave a major hole in the community.
“It’s a big loss, certainly. It’s a loss for the church but also for the wider community,” said Father Robson. “He was very involved for many years playing the organ and helping out with church activities. He gave really good service to the community, especially through his music.”
In addition to his music, the obituary stated Mr. Neshkewe was an industrious person who enjoyed baking, canning, quilting and outdoor work for the community. It also cited his jokes as something that the community will miss.
“Thomas always made me laugh, was there when I needed someone to talk to and he was there in the most serious times. And he never asked for anything back. Now his family needs us. Because this man deserves it,” wrote Ruby Mandamin in a Facebook comment.
Shane O’Mac wrote a poem and uploaded it to Facebook the following morning, a fitting tribute for a man with such a great love for the arts:
Thomas was a caring man, an angel here on earth.
His voice echoed beautifully his heart was one with God.
And as he lays to rest without the mention of goodbye.
We shall cherish his memory His legacy he left behind.
We wish you safe travels to heaven and beyond.
Rest in Peace, dear Thomas
Rest in Peace
We will miss you
Each and every day you’re gone.
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating the incident and welcome any information on the case. The police in Wiikwemkoong can be reached at 705-859-3141 and the OPP can be reached toll-free at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at SudburyCrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
