Walter James Cowley

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Walter James Cowley, “Miskwaquot”, of the Shiishiib clan, aka “Bobo” born on November 4, 1961, in Kenora, Ontario, from Naotkamegwanning, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Dad is survived by his loving children, his babe, Denise (Desmond), his son Wendell James, and his daughters Whitney and best friend Alwyn, and Starla Rose, his sister Rhonda and best friend Mitchell, brothers Ken Nash, Stuart and Carrie Nash. He also considered Jeff (Felicity), Mikey (Trinity) and Charlie as his sons. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, his grandsons Anthony, Hunter and Kayce, his granddaughters, “Waabshkibinaseek” Starlene, “his indian girl” Starlow, Diana, “baby Nash” Ashlyn, “happy” Raven and “mommy’s pretty baby” Arianna, Ocean Sky, Isabelle (Bella), Everly-Rose, and Araina. He also leaves behind his nieces, Kristel, Debbie (Daryl), Alberta, Merrit, Shannon, Mary Ann, Samantha, Kerrie, Lacey, Robbie, his nephews, Sonny, Jamie (Holly), Oscar (Karen), Jay, Omar, Benji, Troy, Zach, along with numerous cousins, uncles, aunts and extended family and friends.

Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Diane, parents, Jimmy and Sarah Cowley, his paternal and maternal grandparents, his brothers Michael, Jerry, Paul, Dennis, his sister, “Gooligo” Marlene, “Qua” Lauretta, and Edel. His nieces, Petula Bird, Martina Cowley, and nephews, John Cowley, Joe Bird, and Jordan Nash, great niece Kenisha, and great nephew Nico. His best friends Gary Paypompee and “Lugsug” Melvin Joseph.

Dad will always be remembered for his generous heart, he’d give you the shirt off his back if he could, and his unconditional love for everyone he crossed paths with.

Dad loved all forms of fishing, enjoyed exploring the land with his son-in-law, Alwyn. He took pride in his yard, building water slides, setting up structures for his granddaughters to enjoy during the summer months. He loved his Saturday yard sales with all his children, and his bingo dates with his daughters, Starla and Whitney. Dad lived for his grandchildren. Dad loved his music, sitting on the deck with his radio, blasting his pow wow music in the early mornings when he was at home. Dad had many visitors throughout the years, he loved his friends, of all ages.

Dad was proud was of all his children, spoke highly of them, and did everything he could to be there for them in all ways.

Dad took pride in his work as custodian for Animakee Wa Zhing #37 band office, where he was missed dearly when he had to leave. Dad also volunteered his time to help in any events in the community, and surrounding organizations, that involved his grandchildren participating.

The family would like to thank all dad’s doctors, Dr Emily Drake, Dr Lipschitz, Dr Delpagio, Dr Simpson, Nurse Charlene at the Palliative Care Unit, Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Animakee Wa Zhing #37, Naotkamegwanning First Nation, AKRC, Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre for all their help and support during this difficult time.

Wake service will begin on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at 3:00 pm at the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 Rec Centre, followed by a traditional funeral service on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, at 10:00 am with burial to follow in Whitefish Bay, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Diane.

Pallbearers: Alwyn Cowley, Alec Medicine Jr, Jamie Cowley, Patrick Joseph, Timmy Cameron, Zachary Nash, Dave Cameron Jr, Clayton Baptiste.

Honorary Pallbearers: Mitchell White, Ellis Cowley, Chris Kabestra.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Cowley family.