Erick "Bigg E" Lee Awonohopay

Erick "Bigg E" Awonohopay, age 40 of Baraga, MI passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Marquette General Hospital.

He was born January 23, 1973 in Albany, MN son to Richard and Mary (Froland) Awonohopay. Erick graduated from Menominee High School in 1993 and then attended Bay Mills Community College. He worked in many casinos as a dealer and for the past 10 years was a DJ for Eagle Radio.

Erick was a member of the Menominee Nation and a Big Drum member. He traveled to many Pow Wows and was a very gifted singer and the lead singer of Summer Cloud Drum. He was called on for many ceremonies in the community; including MC for the KBIC Pow Wows. He loved to cooking, music, was a gamer. He gave of himself and loved everyone he interacted with and was a mentor to a lot of young boys and loved to help people. He was loved by many.

Surviving are his wife Christine and their children Raistlin, Donovin, Naethin, Kamerin, and Ethin Awonohopay all of Baraga; father Richard (Leah Miller) Awonohopay of Bowler, WI; mother-in-law Debi Williamson of Baraga; siblings Richard "Blake", Richelle "Bitsy", Jay "Krunch, Jesse "Chopper" Awonohopay, Brian Moore, Joey, Steven, John Awonohopay, Danny, Byron, Myron Desjarlais; sister-in-law Tonni Williamson Edwards; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many adopted mom's.

Preceding him in death is his mother Mary Ella Awonohopay.

Traditional Native American services will take place on Friday, August 23rd at 10 a.m. at the Ceremonial Room at the Ojibwa Seniors. His body will be laid out from Tuesday evening until the time of the service; and all family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life. On Thursday evening a visitation will take place starting at 6 p.m. Burial will be in the Assinins Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends may sign Erick's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.