Esquega, Gene Thomas Sr.

Gene Thomas Allan Esquega Sr. of Fort William First Nation passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 27, 2006. Gene was born on May 1, 1973 in Thunder Bay. He graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1991. He was athletic and enjoyed many sports. He was a big Chicago Bears fan. He was employed with LTL Contracting and held a membership with I.U.O.E Local 793. Gene was an outstanding son, father, brother, and friend. His family and friends were very special to him. He will be dearly missed. Gene is survived by his children Carly and Autumn Longpeter-Esquega (Cindy), Jessie Anne Lachinette (Allison), "Little" Gene Esquega, Horizon Mendowegan and step son, Denya Mendowegan (Nalda), all of Thunder Bay, his parents, Myria Esquega of Fort William First Nation and Fredrick Thomas of Lac Seul First Nation, his sister Gloria Esquega (Joe) and her two sons, Jordan and Brandon Esquega, his other siblings, Fallon and Zachery Poile, Evelyn and Carla Johnson, Ursula Matinet, Skylar and Spencer Wesley, Luke Bannon and Darren Fenton, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives and many friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Victor and Margaret Esquega, Charles Thomas and Bella Keejick, his uncle Vincent "Quincy" Esquega and special father figure George Bannon. Honourary pallbearers are Lennox Mattinas, Luke Bannon, Darren Fenton, Steve Johnson, Trevor Mendowegan, Donald Johnson, and Jonathon Shawataskung. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday afternoon, August 2, 2006 at the Blake Funeral Chapel from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services for Gene will be on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Blake Funeral Chapel with Rev. L. Kroker s.j. officiating. A reception will follow at the Fort William First Nation Community Center. Interment will follow, after cremation, at a later date. A tree will be planted in memory of Gene Esquega in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 24, 2007. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com