Mitchell, son of George (Little Man) and Edith Spence, was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital in The Pas, Manitoba
Mitchell was a fun, loving, young man who made many friends, most of whom were life long and he left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him. People related to his positive energy and felt at ease with him. He had a spontaneous nature that allowed him the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy activities. His laughter was infectious, and he was always on the go. You could count on him for anything. His friends left many posts on fb about his relationships with them and his willingness to help during difficult times. He would tell his friends, “I have your back”. Previously, with the passing of friends, Mitchell was a sacred fire keeper. It was very important for him to be there for his friends and family to show his support and caring nature.
Mitchell was into sports and most recently he was a team mate of the OCN Storm, Junior B Hockey Club. Although Mitchell wasn’t the strongest player on the team, he played with a lot of heart and he was known as one of the hardest working players on the team. This hardworking spirit helped to lift other players during games, whether they were winning or losing. Mitchell had many interests and enjoyed his natural athletic ability. He played soccer, participated in triathlons, swimming, biking events, and hunting with his Uncle Mike.
He loved to also play cards with his cousins and his favorite hand was ace/deuce. Mitchell loved singing with his brother Aldrich, they also constantly wrestled. Aldrich and Mitchell were very close as they were only a year apart in age.
Mitchell received his education at Joe A. Ross School and later attended Oscar Lathlin Collegiate. He had plans to join the workforce as a labourer. Mitchell had various jobs . He enjoyed sandbagging, lifting the bags and throwing them down like they were nothing. His most recent job was working on the OCN clean-up crew. Other jobs were landscaping, cutting brush, and McDonalds. Mitchell’s most recent ambition was to become a carpenter and he was gaining work experience by working alongside Les. Mitchell volunteered many hours including fundraising for hockey and swimming. He also volunteered his time to babysit for his friends; he enjoyed spending time with children and helping others.
Mitchell believed in Native Spirituality and recently received his Indian name Kamohchikisiwatt (English Version) Almighty Voice, which suited his personality to a “T”.
Mitchell is survived by his parents, George and Edith Spence; siblings Charleen (Alex), Lana (Ken), George (Trudy), Chelsea (Danny), Aldrich and Clark Flett. His nephews and nieces: Avery-Anna, Oryan, William, Kenneth, Justice, Aliyah, Zaiden, Orlando, George Jr, Elva, and Shirley. He also leaves his special partner Alexis Daniels. His Grandparents, Pat and Irene Personius, Lucien Spence and Aunts, Margaret (Gerald) Lathlin, Shirley Personius, Linda (Derek) Constant, Shirley Ann (Dennis) Reinfort, and Elise (Steve) Spence; Uncles, Horace Personius, Brian (Marlene) Spence, Doug (Roma) Spence, and numerous cousins.
Mitchell was predeceased by Great Grandparents, Howatt and Elva Bell, Pat and Betsy Personius, William and Louisa Spence, George Angus and Martha Flett; Grandmother, Nancy Spence; Uncles Darrell Spence, Joseph Spence, Uncle Arnold Personius, and Aunt Shelley Rose Spence and numerous Uncles, Aunties and Cousins.
Mitchell’s spirit came for a visit, he said he’s okay and he’s with his babies and his little nephew, he’s happy.
Active Pallbearers
Aldrich Spence, George Spence, Allan Personius, Brandon Lathlin, Camacho Lathlin, Bryson Constant, Garth Muswagon, Chad Peebles
Honour Guards
Avery-Anna Spence, Trent Personius, Dustin Lathlin
Honourary Pallbearers
Godfather Derek Constant, Derek Fontaine, Jonathan Asmus, Nikki Constant, Mike Ross OCN Storm, Coaches and Players, FC Soccer team
Wakes
June 6, 2014
Will start at the Spence resident at 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and continue at Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Big Eddy
Funeral
Saturday, June 7, 2014 Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak Cree Nation
4:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Sayese presiding.
Interment
After the service, Mitchell will be carried (Pallbearers, OCN Storm, Jr. B Hockey Club, Personius Cousins, FC Soccer Team, Spence Cousins, Storm Coaches/Executive, if need be, friends from his home in Big Eddy to the St. Michaels and All Angels Cemetery, Big Eddy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Bike Ride for Awareness and Prevention of Suicide, c/o Box 10043, OCN R0B 2J0. This years bike ride will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014.
Funeral Service - Order of Service
Celebrating the life of Mitchell Joseph Spence
(Indian Name = English Almighty Voice)
June 7, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.
Rev. Jim Sayese
Organist: Mike Jebb Jr.
ORDER OF SERVICE USING B.A.S.
Opening Sentences
Funeral Liturgy, page 589
Greetings
Hymn English – I saw the Light
Tribute Song: Dancing in the Sky
Memories of the Heart by: Poem – Chelsea Spence
Eulogy – Nikki Constant
Hymn English – Come Walk with Me
The collect, page 577
First Reading: 1st Corinthians 15: 53-55 – Camacho Lathlin
Psalm: 51: 1-11
Hymn English – Where the Roses Never Fade
Gospel: Rev. Irene Personius
Homily by : Rev. Jim Sayese
Apostle’s Creed Page 592
Prayers for the People Page 593-4
by Jerrod McGillivary
Lord’s Prayer
Commendation Page 595
Blessing page 683
Dismissal, Let us go forth in the name of Christ
Recessional Hymn: God be With You Till We Meet Again (CREE)
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Mitchell Spence hosted by Hemauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services.