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Stephen began his journey to the Spirit World on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Stephen was born on his father’s trapline in Eeyou Istchee and was a proud member of the Cree Nation of Chisasibi (Northern Quebec). After a traditional life on the land in his early childhood, Stephen was taken to residential school and would attend three residential schools in Quebec and Ontario.
In his professional life, Stephen was an educator, an entrepreneur, a mentor, and a role model. In his personal life he was a respected Elder and Knowledge Keeper and known by many fondly as Mr. Pash, even his own children would call him Mr. Pash. He was compassionate, loving, had a wicked sense of humor, and touched and changed the lives of so many around him.
Stephen is survived by the love of his life of 40 years, his wife Marsha Smoke Pashagumskum of the Alderville First Nation.
He is the Loving Father to Gillian Pashagumskum Smoke (Terrance Richard), Sarah Pashagumskum (Brian Dioszeghy), Jamie Pashagumskum (Marlene Jolly), Brandon Happyjack Smoke, and Lindsay Happyjack Smoke (Jeremy Limpy).
He is the proud Grandfather to Raven, Kara, Michaela, Jacob, Noah, Aidan, Amelia, Cameron, Kerwin, and Leah.
He is Great Grandfather to Sage and Amiyah.
Stephen was embraced by the Don & June Smoke Family of Alderville where he was loved unconditionally and spent many hours with an extended family of a Grampa, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, David Pashagumskum and Daisy House.
He is survived by his Brothers and sister, Eddie, Molly and John, and predeceased by his brother Simeon and sister Mina
Stephen will be missed by his many relatives including nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
The Pashagumskum Smoke family would like to say Miigwech to Dr. Michael Bayer, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ed’s House Hospice in Cobourg, Ontario.
Special thanks to Shkaabaawis Sagassige Giizis for your wisdom, teachings, guidance and messages from Spirit.
Donations in Stephen Pashagumskum’s memory may be made to the Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre where he devoted much of his time in his retirement years sharing stories of the land, culture, traditional way of life and experiences of Indian Residential Schools. Every Child Matters.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre
I was so pleased to have an opportunity to meet Stephen shortly before his passing. It was an honour to get to know him a little and to hear something of his story. I was also so hapy to see him go away with a walker to help him get around! My condolences to Marsha and all the family for your loss. I know that you will take comfort in knowing that he is watching over you from the Spirit World and that one day you will be reunited.
Stephen was one of the kindest men I have ever met and I do mean that sincerely. He came Alderville United Church and worshipped with us for I think over a year. You could just feel his presence and I knew he was a deeply spiritual man. In spite of the life Stephen had, taken from his family and put in a residential school. He grew up to help so many people because he knew how important it was to be kind and loving in spite of the abuse he suffered in residential school. He was a remarkable man and a man of great integrity. I felt that in Stephen. Marsha was the love of his life and they dearly loved each other and their families and raised their children to be proud of their heritage. Go in peace Stephen as you continue to be blessed by the Creator. I thank you for your friendship and kindness. The angels have taken you home where Jesus says well done thou faithful servant. Enter now into my Father's kingdom. I extend blessings and prayers to all of Stephen's family and friends.
My deepest condolences to you Marsha and to all your loved ones.
May God’s peace and love lift you from your sorrow ? hugs to you all ? he will surely be missed by many especially his humour ?Journey well uncle Steven until we meet again ?? love you ❤️
RIP Stephen. Condolences Marsha and Family.
My sincere condolences to you Marsha and Family.
My Condolences to you all, be with you in Spirit, in this time. Miss you from your niece " aii mak doffee" Love You Uncle Steven.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre
So sorry to hear the sad news Marsha….you lost your soul mate…
I only met Mr. Pash once and it was very brief. He left a longing impression on me with his words of wisdom and great compassion. Deep respect to his family through this journey of loss.
Marsha, the magnitude of your loss will not be lost on anyone who knew Stephen (and you as a couple). You and your family will be in my thoughts in the upcoming days.
Thoughts and prayers are with the whole Family ❤️??❤️
My sincere condolences to you Marsha and your family at this difficult time. My prayers are with you all.
I never knew Mr Pash , but what a wonderfully beautiful life he lived. You have my sorrows