Michael John James McDonald “Mikey”
January 22, 1992 to July 5, 2025
kiiwaTinoong
Makwa
Pelican clan
With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we share that Michael John James McDonald, lovingly known as Mikey, began his journey to the Spirit World on July 5, 2025, at the age of 33.
Mikey was born on January 22, 1992, and raised in Wabaseemoong Independent Nation, a place that shaped his spirit, grounded his humour, and nurtured his deep love for the land. Though he was the son of Randall Boucher and the late Georgina Lynn McDonald, Mikey was raised with care and unconditional love by John Paishk and the late Delores Paishk, who became Mom and Dad in every way that mattered. Their home and hearts were his safe place.
He grew up surrounded by strong, loving men who were his uncles but became his brothers. They shared more than blood. They shared loyalty, stories, laughter, and hard lessons. His cousin Brandi Hunter was never just a cousin. She was his sister, his confidante, and a constant presence in his life. Mikey also carried the memory of his childhood brother Matthew Paishk, who passed away when they were young. Mikey held his spirit close always.
More than anything, Mikey was a proud and devoted dad. He loved his children with his whole being. He leaves behind three beautiful little lights. His sons Emerson and Kylen with Alberta Joseph, and his daughter Kensli with his special love, Kirsten Bigbull. Being their dad was the role he was proudest of. He carried their names in his heart every single day and spoke about them with joy and tenderness.
Mikey is survived by his father Randall Boucher and Randall’s daughters, by his dad John Paishk, and by a wide and loving circle of aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended relatives from both the McDonald, Mandamin, Bunting, Carpenter, Land and Paishk families. But for Mikey, family was never just about titles or blood. It was about who stood by you, who laughed with you, and who showed up when it counted.
He is now reunited with his mom Georgina, his grandparents James and Cecile Land, his brother Matthew, and his best friend Carl Jamieson. Each of them left their mark on his heart and walked beside him in spirit long before he left this world.
As a boy, Mikey danced powwow with pride, stepping into the circle with the heartbeat of his ancestors. He was a natural on the ice, playing hockey across Ontario and Manitoba. Even as an adult, whenever he had the chance, he laced up his skates and found that spark again. The rink was a home to him, just like the bush, the lake, and the places where the air smelled like cedar and water.
Mikey was most alive on the land. He especially loved fishing for smallmouth bass, but he also found peace in hunting, camping, and simply being outdoors. Nature wasn’t just where he went. It was where he connected to who he was and where he came from.
He’ll be remembered for his sharp wit, his booming laugh, and the way he made everyone feel like they belonged. He had that rare gift of making people feel seen. He could walk into a room and shift the energy just by being there. He told the best stories, gave the best hugs, and always knew when someone needed a friend.
Mikey leaves behind many who loved him like family. Raymond Muckle, Taylor Muckle, Kyle Bunting, Rochelle Bunting, Rocki Bunting, Steve Kent, Oscar Strang, Dustin Ferland, Joey Mandamin, Ogie Mandamin, Greg Meeches, and so many others who shared memories, mischief, and milestones with him.
Though his time here was far too short, Mikey’s life was full. He lived with love, laughter, hardship, strength, and deep connection. To his people, to the land, and to his children. His spirit will live on in the ones who knew him, in the places he loved, and in every story shared around a fire, a rink, or a shoreline.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the emergency personnel, doctors, and nurses at Calgary Foothills Medical Centre for their care and compassion. They also thank the Wabaseemoong Child Welfare Authority and Wabaseemoong Chief and Council for their ongoing support. A special thank you to Kirsten Bigbull, who stood by Mikey with love and strength until the very end. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, and to all who reached out, visited, called, sent prayers, shared stories, or simply held space for Mikey’s memory. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
A wake service will begin on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00am at the WCWA Building, Whitedog, Ontario. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00am at WCWA Building with burial to follow.