Nelson “Sugar Bear” (Gimaa Giizhgad) Shognosh Jr, a resident of Walpole Island First Nation, died peacefully with his family by his side at Blue Water Health on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at the age of 71.
Nelson was the son of the late Nelson & Eleanor (Shipman) Shognosh. Loving father of Christian (Shelley), Rochelle (Dan), Nebeesh (Reymundo), Muhnoomin, Peshaunquet, Zhahwun, Neejig (Celeste) and Dan (Trudy). Dear grandfather of Ryan, Jason, Rebecca, Darah, Wahbzii, Neetahwis, Emiigwed, Shkuhnodin, Wahsahsenna, Waukiigan, Odentaawgi, Mshkobiiyaag, Wchapihk, Mbiisus, Awehleew and great grandchildren. Brother of Leonard (Elaine) Shognosh and the late Harvey Shognosh & Charlie Shognosh. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Sugar Bear or ‘Shoggy’ had worked at Eaton-Yale and Oxford Automotive in Wallaceburg.
In hockey, he played Net Minder for Walpole Island, Toledo in the ECHL and was known as the Brick Wall for the Eaton-Yale hockey team. Bear’s true passions were guiding duck hunting and using his traditional knowledge and gifts to help people from many communities.
The family will receive relatives and friends at his home, 321 Channel Ecarte road on Saturday and Sunday. The traditional funeral will begin from the family home at 9 AM on Monday, August 21 with burial in Highbanks Cemetery before noon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg. 519.627.3231. Online tributes may be left at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca
