Gaagigebines, Dan Jones, 58, began his journey in his home community Nigigoonsiminikaaaning First Nation, Ontario on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle and friend, he will be greatly missed by his family and Anishinaabe country.
He was born in Eltrut Lake, Ontario, Canada, November 6, 1959, the son of John Sr. and Nancy Jones.
Dan married Gail Allen on February 14, 1984 and they celebrated thirty-five years of marriage before his passing.
He was a graduate from Bemidji State University and went on to teach Ojibwe language, culture and spirituality for thirty-three years, starting at Rainy River Community College, and then the Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College. As a long-time resident of Cloquet, MN, he became a highly respected carrier of the Ojibwe language and culture locally and throughout Anishinaabe country.
He taught at various other collegiate sites including, UMD, College of St. Scholastica, UWS, Seven Generations Education Institute, and Harvard University.
He was a dedicated family man, lodge member, professor of Ojibwe language and culture, man of the lakes and woods, and a dear friend to multitudes of Anishinaabeg across the continent.
He was a cornerstone of his close-knit family and his favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He loved sharing his language and cultural practices with everyone, especially his children, grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Whether he take them out fishing, getting firewood, trapping, golfing, going to the movies, playing volleyball or cheering on his favorite team, the Vikings, Dan was a man his family could count on to be there. He loved his family and community dearly and will be missed by so many. He was an inspiration to many through being a long-time AA member, mentoring and guiding so many language learners and teaching Ojibwe language and culture. He wanted to share all he knew with whomever wanted to learn. He was generous with his time and his knowledge. He has left a hole in the hearts of many, but in his own words, "I am not gone, I'm just changing addresses"
Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; children and grandchildren, Jason (Lana) – Julia; Travis (KC) – Devon, Jalen, Torren, Brayden, Piper; Carmen – Leland, Avery; and Shawna - Zoe; ogiin (his mother) Ogimaagwanebiik; sisters, Becky (Lance) Kingbird and Sue (Stacey) Boshey; brothers, Don Jones and Dennis Jones (Laura); mother-in-law, Rose Marie Allen; brothers-in-law, Randy Harvey, Ron, Stewart (Melanie), Gary, and Duane; sisters-in-law, Karen (Ken), Linda (Ken) and Judy (Elton).
He is preceded in death by his father, John Sr.; sister, Shirley; brother, Brian, and brother, John Jr. Tidlo.
A wake service will begin at 6:30 PM, Friday, January 19, 2018 with funeral services to begin at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 20, 2018. All services will be held at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation Community Center (Red Gut, Ontario) in the Midewiwin custom with Waagosh Anton Treuer and Waawaakeyaash Keller Paap officiating.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Green Funeral Home.
16 Entries
June 13, 2018
Student
Timothy Ryan
Rest in peace Gagegebanaise I admired you greatly
January 27, 2018
David Thompson
My condolences to the family of the late Dan Jones of Nigigoonsiminikaaaning <3 "Miigwech Gaagigebines apane gigiigaganoonishin Ojibwemowin" <3
January 24, 2018
Dearest Carmen:
We are sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Prayers and healing love to you and your family
Tracey and Randy
January 24, 2018
Barbara McDonald
We send our heartfelt condolences to Dan's family. Dan greatly influence many of our students throughout northeast Minnesota - his contributions in preserving and teaching the Ojibwe language and culture will live on for many generations; I was honored to know Dan; he will be missed by many colleagues near and far. Sincerely, Barbara McDonald, North Hennepin Community College and formally Itasca Community College
January 23, 2018
Anita Barber
My thoughts and prayers for peace are with his loved ones. I liked the video about never saying good bye, it is a good lesson in comfort and the cycle of life.
January 23, 2018
Waate
SO many good memories of Gaagigebines. We were walking across the FDLTCC parking lot and he told me a joke. I didn't know it was a joke and he had me hook, line, and sinker. When he said the punch line I was shocked and started laughing so hard I fell down. Lol. One of many. A great man.
Waate
January 22, 2018
Dana Cain
Dearest Gail and family, I am very sorry to hear of the death of Dan. My sincerest condolences to all. Peace be with you as you move forward dear friend.
January 21, 2018
Joan Pauly Schneider
My deepest sympathies. Though I did not know Dan personally, Dennis has shared some wonderful stories and jokes that gave insight into what a good man his brother was! Joan Pauly Schneider, Wellsprings Farm
January 20, 2018
Craig Pagel
While it has been years since i have seen Dan, memory of Dan and what he taught me has and will always be with me.
January 19, 2018
Gord Kitzul
Nothing but good memories of a good friend from back in our childhood days. It was always a good day when either Dan, Dennis or Don were around!
I am very saddened by Jonesy's passing at such a young age and my deepest sympathies go out to his entire family. May God's peace surround you all at this time.
January 19, 2018
St. Scholastica Saints Men's Hockey Team
RIP Dan......legendary teacher the boys say !
January 19, 2018
St. Scholastica Saints Men's Hockey
RIP Dan.....the boys say legendary teacher !
January 19, 2018
Bobbi, Joel, Emma, and Noah Guimond/Morris
It is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences to the Jones family and friends. We are thankful for Dan's enormous contribution to language revitalization and cultural preservation. It was an honour to be able to receive your teachings. The teachings Gaagigebines shared will be honoured and carried to future generations. In honour of your amazing Mino Bimaadiziwin, we offer our Sema, and hope that your spirit journey finds that great address you spoke of. Chi-Miigwich Gaagigebines. Miinawaa Giiga Gawaabamin!
January 19, 2018
Nelson and THerese Stamant
Our thoughts are with you and your family Nancy
January 18, 2018
Elvene Hamilton
It has been a long time since I have seen Dan but remember him fondly - wonderful person and wonderful family
Elvene Hamilton
January 18, 2018
Lois Mineau
My thoughts and Prayers are with you Dennis and the loved ones affected by the "address change" of Dan. I appreciated his humor and gentle ways.
I offer tobacco today in honor of the gift of Dan.
Know that you are loved. Lois
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