Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

David "Kongo" Francis Smith I

David "Kongo" Francis Smith I

Born: Tue., May 18, 1954

Died: Tue., May 12, 2015

Visitation

4:00 PM Sat., May 16, 2015

Location: Onigum Community Center

Funeral Service

11:00 AM Mon., May 18, 2015

Location: Onigum Community Center

David Francis "Kongo" Smith I, 60, of Onigum, "Ma'iingan-ag" which means "Two Wolf" passed away at his home unexpectedly on May 12, 2015. Kongo was born in Cass Lake, Minnesota on May 18, 1954 to Robert Rice and Frances Gould.

He lived the majority of his life in the Onigum area, where he enjoyed living off the land. He loved hunting, fishing, netting, ricing and berry picking. He and his former wife, Priscilla Smith (also of Onigum), had 7 children together, Jeremiah, Emmilee, TahSheena, Kateri, David II, Brianne and Conrad (all of the Old Agency/Onigum area). He also had another daughter, Lynzie Lightfeather of St. Paul and a son, Eric Elletson-Smith of Monticello. David was a great storyteller and had a way of pulling you right into whatever it may be that he was talking about. He had so many stories to share, so many tales of his young rebellious years, his travels and adventures. Each one just as humorous and action filled as the last. He was always joking with everyone and making them laugh, sometimes even embarrassing them! Humor was such a huge part of him and will be remembered by all.

As a young teen he began following the Powwow trail, where he eventually picked up dancing Men's Traditional. He went on to become an amazing dancer, and to this day, many people still talk about his grace and dancing ability. He absolutely loved being a part of the Powwow scene! However, due to losing his right leg in a hunting accident, he was unable to continue dancing. Although he missed it, he was still able to play a big role in the annual Onigum Powwow by being the Fire Keeper. He enjoyed this responsibility, and took pride in tending the fire. At the same time David picked up dancing, he began learning and following the traditional values and ways of the Anishinabe people. He continued to follow them throughout his life and was very knowledgeable about many things regarding the traditions.

He was also a very talented artist! He loved painting and drawing, which eventually led to tattooing. He took pride in his work and enjoyed sharing it. There are many people who own his paintings, drawings and/or tattoos. It made him proud seeing his work displayed in different homes and establishments.

David was quite the character! He was happy and outgoing, always with that big ol' grin spread across his face! He was just a huge part of the community, loved and respected by many. He was well known throughout the area and there aren't many people who haven't heard of Kongo.

His 9 children and 24 grandchildren were his pride and joy. There are many photos of him standing tall and proud next to each of his kids, with an arm wrapped around their shoulders, or grandchildren sitting or relaxing upon his lap. He loved each of them so much and was so very proud of each and every one of them!

Kongo is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances, granddaughter; Dominique, grandson; Damin, sister; Lynda, uncles; Frank, John, Sam and Jacob, nieces; Lynda and Jacqueline and nephews; Jason and James.

He leaves behind his sons; Jeremiah Smith, David (Tosha) Smith, Jr., Conrad Smith (Val) and Eric Elletson-Smith, daughters; Emmilee Smith (Adrian), Lynzie Lightfeather, TahSheena Smith (Adam), Kateri Smith and Brianne Smith (Travis), brothers; Mike (Patty) of Mission, John (Louise) of Walker, Wayne of Bena, Terry of Onigum, Robin and Jerry both of Smokey Point, sisters; Jean (Owen) of Turtle River, Frieda (Chick) of Old Agency, Kathy (Carl) of Onigum, Theresa (Victor) of Onigum, Margaret (Ken) of Onigum and Bev (Joe) of Onigum and 24 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.

A wake for Kongo will begin at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16th and continue until his 11:00 a.m. service on Monday, May 18th all being held at the Onigum Community Center. Pastor Mark R. Olson and Donald Wright, Sr. will officiate. Pallbearers for Kongo will be Angelo Smith, Conrad Smith, Acelee Dunn, Jacob Bellanger, Dave Smith Jr. and Eric Smith. His honorary pallbearers are Lavae Oothoudt, Frank Oothoudt, Jim Dahl, Little Rob Jr., Carl J., Randy White Jr., all his brothers, nieces and nephews. Interment will be in the Old Agency Catholic Cemetery at Old Agency following his Monday service.

David's care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. On-line condolences for the family may be left at http://www.northernpeace.com

 

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