Leland Indian, 40

It is with great sadness that the family of “Leland Indian” announce his sudden passing on Monday, November 4th, 2013 at his residence in Big Grassy First Nation.
Leland “Fats” Indian was born on March 27, 1973 in Rainy River, Ontario. He attended Rainy River High School where he made many long lasting friendships. He later attended Confederation College where he graduated in 2005 with first class standings in Human Resources – Business Management. It was in College, where he met some of his greatest friends.
Leland leaves behind to cherish his precious memories to his children, Linden Indian, Nancy Indian, Brandon Penner, Tyson Penner, and Evan Indian-Penner.
Leland will also be forever remembered by his mother, Marlene, sisters Lynn (Reuben), Tania (Ivory), and brother David (Joni), as well as numerous uncles and aunts, along with countless other family and friends, whom he called “bros”, and whom were blessed to know him.
Leland was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Mary and Norman Indian, uncles Ronnie, Tommy, Norman, Dwight, Auntie Darlene, and sister Dawn Indian.
Leland never stopped living life to the fullest despite being hit with an illness in 2010, he fought a long, hard, and tough battle to stay with his family, to which we were blessed, but most of all he loved his children. Leland loved listening to music, laughing, visiting with his bros, being with his family, having fun with friends and cheering on his “Habs” whenever there was a game on tv, he was the first guy on the dance floor and enjoyed putting on a dance show. He loved his sports, especially baseball and boot hockey, also where he met many friends.
Leland touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
A traditional service was held on November 8, 2013 at 10 a.m. from the Big Grassy First Nation Community Hall with Ron-Indian Mandamin officiating. Interment took place in Big Grassy First Nation Cemetery. Pallbearers where Jamie Mandamin, Paul Giles, Dakota Andy, Sean Comegan, Jordan Shannon, and Jesse Tom. Honorary pallbearers where all of Leland’s friends, family, co-workers and all who had the honor of knowing him.
“Just woke up from what felt like a dream, only to find out that it's real :( My dear father Leland Indian; may you rest peacefully in heaven. Heaven gained the best angel yet. I'm going to miss you so much! I already miss the sound of your laugh that would fill up the entire room, the smile that you would smile ear to ear, all the crazy jokes, you calling me dawnice, how you would make me laugh until my stomach hurt, all your dance moves, and so much more. Now all I have is the memories, but I will cherish those memories forever. When I do have kids, I'm going to have the best stories to tell them about their grandpa, whom I loved so much. I just wish you could have been here to witness that part of my life. I can't help but ask myself why, but I know you are in a better place no longer suffering; running wild and free with all our loved ones who have passed before you. You made such a huge impact on so many peoples lives that you encountered with and I am so proud of you. I love you so much dad. To my siblings, Linden Indian, Brandon Penner, Tyson Penner, and Evan Penner. We will get through this together. Dad would want us to be strong for him for he was the most strong, fighting man we ever knew who we had the honour of calling dad. We were all blessed to have gotten to spend 3 more extra years with him when he could have went to heaven when he first got sick in 2010. But he was a fighter and pulled through. I love you my brothers and I will be there for you guys through thick and thin. Let's make dad proud and make him smile that beautiful smile of his! We all know he's looking down on us and will be by our side always. May you rest in peace Dad. I love you so much and miss you like crazy already”
“Like you hitting a home run on the ball field and touching them all……you touched many of us throughout your life. Miigwech my friend. You never gave up, bizaan anwebin (rest peacefully).”
If desired memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com