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It is with great sadness that the families of Eric Mandamin announce his unexpected passing on Saturday, April 13 at the age of 44.
Eric will be forever remembered and missed by his children, Dabney, Justine, Clara, Tessa, Rowan, and Pierce; siblings, Jennifer Meekis (Ken), Clara Mandamin (Silas), Tracy Letander (Hugh), Andrew Letander (Amanda) and Dave Kitt (Crystal); nieces and nephews, Faith, Lanny, Leanna, Ryder, Ziigwan, Darren, Marco, Tanis, Janice, Clovis, Margaret, Riley, Shanna, Shannon, Aaliyah, Cole, Emma, Hannah, Erik, Erykah, Theron, Andrea, Eileen, Kaiyden, Starlene, Starlow, Diana, Ashlyn, Naleina, Keithan, Auvrielle, Rebecca, Andrew, Brennan, Jarrett, Derek, Kayla, Michael, Billy and John; aunts Kathy Prouty, Gladys Mandamin (Philip), uncle Ronnie Mandamin, and many special nieces, nephews and numerous extended family and friends.
Eric is preceded in death by his parents, Christine Mandamin and Lloyd Letander; siblings, Shaun Mandamin, Jason Mandamin (Karen Kent), Chris Mandamin; grandparents, Joe and Matilda Mandamin. He will also be joining many other beloved relatives who left too soon.
Eric was born on January, 26th, 1980 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Christine and Lloyd. He grew up in Whitedog and attended Wabaseemoong School. Eric put on skates as soon as he could walk. He developed a strong passion for hockey in his earlier years and played in and around Kenora. His dad would take him to his games and practices and faithfully watched on with great pride. Never venturing far from family or home, he held several small jobs over the years and was employed with Wabaseemoong water distribution program.
Eric was known for his for his unique and wonderful sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh with his outgoing, inviting and friendly personality. He enjoyed music, movies, and cooking. He showed his generosity and care with those around him that extended beyond his immediate family to include a wide community of loved ones.
His children were his entire world. His children gave him strength during the rough times and laughter and joy as well. He was so proud of his kids, and his family and friends will hold dear the stories that we will be privileged to tell them of their funny and loving father in years to come. Your dad was an amazing soul, and we will never forget him.
Eric made many strong and lasting friendships through the years, with that said a special mention goes out to Chris Cameron, Dave Muckle, Patrick McDonald, Darren and Grant McDonald, Thomas Kejick, Steven Cameron, Nate C, David, Adrian and Terry Bunting and all his friends he grew up with playing hockey. A heartfelt thank you to both Jessie McDonald and Barbara Kejick for always loving Eric and his family.
The hardest good-byes are the ones you don’t see coming – the ones you don’t plan, or could never imagine happening. May our hearts find solace in remembering Eric’s light, his kind soul, and his abundance of laughter and humor that he shared generously with us all.
Wake Service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Wabaseemoong Community Hall beginning at 1:00pm. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 11:00am with Earl Dano officiating. Interment to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Eric’s life.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Treaty Three Police Service, the OPP, Minaki First Responders, Kenora Ambulance and for their care of Eric.
“I Have Not Gone” by Unknown
You think I’ve gone, that I am dead, and life has lost its will,
But look around, I am right there, living with you still
I watch your tears, I feel your pain – I see the things you do
I weep as well, each time you cry, my soul, it lives with you
It gives such joy to hear you laugh, and do the things you do
And when you smile, I smile right with you too
For we’re still one, just you and me, one mind, one soul, one being
Walking forward into life, though only you are seen
And in the stillness of the night, when the pain it really starts
Stretch out a little with your mind and draw me to your heart
For I am always right in there, always by your side
For you have been, all my life’s days, my joy, my love my pride.