Patrick Kelly July 5, 1945 - June 21, 2025

Patrick Joseph Kelly (Waabishki Mashkode-bizhiki)

Name (Nuh-may) Dotem (Sturgeon clan)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Joseph (Joe) Kelly (Waabishki  Maskode-bizhiki), Name Dotem (Sturgeon clan).  Joe was a member of Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation, and was born on July 5, 1945, in his home community of Eagle River, ON.  He began his journey to the spirit world on the afternoon of June 21, 2025 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre, with family present.  He was 79.  He was a well-respected Elder & member of Migisi Sahgaigan. He taught & assisted the youth/men with their Traditional regalia, shared his drum teachings with the youth, attended sun dances & was a Traditional dancer in the powwow circle. He proudly shared ceremony songs as well. Joe was quite the athlete, playing fastball & hockey with the Eagle Lake Chiefs and the Eagle River Old Timers. His favourite past times included square dancing, wild rice harvesting, cone & blueberry picking and spending time with his grandchildren.

Joe was a beloved son to Mary Jane (George) and Patrick Kelly, brother to Jim, Richard & David Kelly. He is survived by his children, Mary-Anne Pritchard, Candy Skeid (Ed), Luke Thompson (Elizabeth Gardner) and April Veilleux. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Victoria & Wesley Pritchard; Jenna, Jesse & Shane Paypompee; Wyatt Gardner & Paige Thompson; Dayna Veilleux, Rowlette & Alyn Gardner. He also leaves behind numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, and numerous other relatives in Migisi Sahgaigan, Minaki, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation & Grassy Narrows.

Joe was predeceased by his mother & father, Mary Jane and Patrick Kelly; his beloved daughter Tanya Seymour; his sisters Helen, Louise & Catherine Kelly, brother Robert Kelly (Nawagaabo), nephews Russell Tom & Jason Meawasige, niece Karon Hourie and granddaughter Courtney Gardner.

The wake will start on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Traditional service on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  The service will be officiated by Howard Copenace at the Migisi Sahgaigan Community Hall. As per Joe’s wishes, cremation will take place, with interment of ashes at a later date.

Donations may be made to the DRHC – Oncology Dept. P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6