Richard Napont

Richard Simon Napont 75 walked on in Petoskey Michigan February 16 with his wife of 28 years, Sandra by his side, and surrounded by his loving family.

Richie was born June 30, 1942 to Bernard and Agnes (Nanigaw) Napont of St. James Beaver Island Michigan.

In 1959 he moved to Manistique Michigan and was a Golden Glove boxer, winning a trophy and becoming the runner-up in the 1961 Golden Glove championship.

In 1963 Richie voluntarily joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for four years. He was honorably discharged in 1967.

He was a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He followed the traditions of his grandfathers, he was a fisherman and was one of the first fishermen to hold a tribal commercial fishing license in the Grand Traverse Band. He worked hard fishing and was a good provider for his family. The name Napont derived from Native words mean fishing on ice.

Richie's wife, his sons, daughter and grandchildren were the joy of his life and he treasured them above all. Richie was a generous man, kind and giving by nature, he gave to others his whole life. He had a gentle spirit and a quiet strength that drew others to him. Family was important to him, he had a rich family heritage. His Grandfather George and Grandmother Hattie Mixinni Nanigaw helped raise him.

In 1990 Richie met his wife Sandra in Cross Village, his love for her was deep and abiding, he was a good husband , faithful and loyal. He liked simple pleasures: going to watch the Emerald Isle depart for Beaver Island and watch it's return to Charlevoix, picnics at Spirit Lake, listening to country music and Beaver Island music, watching favorite movies and spending time with the littlest grandchild. Richie was always busy and loved working outdoors, generously giving his time cutting grass, working in gardens, bringing beauty to our surroundings.

Though we are sad and miss Richie he wants us to remember him through smiles. Richie is survived by his wife Sandra,; Sons: Tony( Bea), Craig(Chrissy), Brian(Patty), Nicholas. A daughter Chelsea(Terrance). Grandchildren: Zachary, Xander, Brett, Maggie and Elijah. Greatgrandchildren: Maddie and Jackson. Aunties: Mary Keshick and Irene Big Eagle. Brothers: Cllifford and Melvin(Alvina), Sisters: Maryann Bolton, Rita Blacklock, Marilyn Napont, numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and Spunky cat.

He was preceded by: his beloved Mother and father, his brother Ralph, his infant brother Norman. His grandparents, George and Hattie Mixinni Nanigaw, and Grandmother Agatha Shields. His father-in-law and mother-in-law Joe and Audrey Keller.

A sacred fire was lit on Friday to light the path for him on his four day journey on the West Road. Greg Petoskey was Firekeeper and other family members helped tend the fire. Family and friends came to the fire to pay their respects. A mass was celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Charlevoix on February 19 at 1 pm, Father Dennis Stilwell officiated. His service was conducted with full military honors. Niece Pam Cloud read the poem, I am free. Mortensen's Winchester Chapel assisted the family. A burial service is being planned for later on and will be announced. After the service family and friends gathered at the Grand Traverse Tribal Center in East Jordan for a wonderful feast, a beautiful Native prayer and drumming and singing by Raymond and Leroy Shenoskey.

Ba ma pee Richie.