Absolum Mamakwa, a respected elder and Anglican known to many in northern Ontario, died on Aug. 6 at the age of 73.
“Absolum promoted and practised the spirit of volunteering for the betterment of his people,” said a statement issued by the Kingfisher Lake Nation. “He was able to connect strongly because of his positive outlook on life and sense of humour.”
One of his sons, Chief James Mamakwa, described his father as “a builder,” who led the construction of Kingfisher Lake’s St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Mission House and the Big Beaver Bible Camp. “He was a remarkable man. I don’t know if I can fill his shoes,” he said in a telephone interview. Mamakwa also delegated the task of building an Anglican cathedral at Kingfisher Lake to his community.
Mamakwa is survived by his wife, Bessie, four sons and three daughters.
