Erick “Bigg E” Awonohopay, 40, of Baraga, Mich., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at Marquette General Hospital.
He was born Jan. 23, 1973, in Albany, Minn., son to Richard and Mary (Froland) Awonohopay. Erick graduated from Menominee High School in 1993 and then attended Bay Mills Community College. He worked in many casinos as a dealer and for the past 10 years was a disc jockey for Eagle Radio. Erick was a member of the Menominee Nation and a Big Drum member. He traveled to many powwows and was a very gifted singer and the lead singer of Summer Cloud Drum. He was called on for many ceremonies in the community, including master of ceremonies for the KBIC Powwows. He loved cooking, music, and was a gamer. He gave of himself and loved everyone he interacted with and was a mentor to a lot of young boys and loved to help people. He was loved by many.
Surviving are his wife, Christine, and their children, Raistlin, Donovin, Naethin, Kamerin, and Ethin Awonohopay, all of Baraga; father, Richard (Leah Miller) Awonohopay, of Bowler; mother-in-law, Debi Williamson, of Baraga; siblings, Richard “Blake,” Richelle “Bitsy,” Jay “Krunch,” and Jesse “Chopper” Awonohopay, Brian Moore, Joey, Steven and John Awonohopay, Danny, Byron and Myron Desjarlais; sister-in-law, Tonni Williamson Edwards; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many adopted moms.
Preceding him in death was his mother, Mary Ella Awonohopay.
Traditional Native American services will take place on Friday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Ceremonial Room at the Ojibwa Seniors. His body will be laid out from Tuesday evening until the time of the service; all family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life. On Thursday a visitation will take place starting at 6 p.m. Burial will be in the Assinins Cemetery.
The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may sign Erick’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
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