It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Ryan James Edward Copenace of the Makwa clan, who passed on October 9, 2026, in Kenora Ontario.
Ryan was born on August 10, 2006, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He resided in Kenora but often travelled to Onigaming to visit his family. Although Ryan was taken from us far too young, it doesn’t define the beautiful and exciting life he lived. To his family, his friends, and all who he spent his time with, Ryan left an everlasting impact that will never be forgotten.
Ryan aspired to join the Royal Canadian Artillery and often looked forward to begin training with the Canadian Army. Ryan also took interest in learning about the trades, specifically Carpentry, which he took after his late Father.
Ryan also loved traveling, he often spoke about visiting Europe and scaling the mountains in Switzerland. During his life, he’s made numerous trips across Canada and the United States. He had many memorable trips which ranged from walking the Strip in Las Vegas, daring the skywalk at Grand Canyon to swimming in the glacier lakes in Washington and riding Space Mountain at Disneyland Florida. He made the most out of each trip he took.
His first trip to Toronto was in September 2024, where he attended his first MLB game watching the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre and enjoyed exploring downtown Toronto. Then, in June 2025, he returned to Toronto for a second time to see one of his favorite artists, Kendrick Lamar and SZA. During this trip, he also visited the top of the CN Tower for the first time and walked the waterfront of Lake Ontario and Roundhouse Park. Ryan had other memorable trips he made including Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; Edmonton and Banff Alberta.
Ryan had many different hobbies; he enjoyed playing video games and collecting vinyl records of artists he listens to. He also took an interest in hunting; he bought tools and weapons relating to it and on his visits to Onigaming, he often went Partridge hunting with his grandfather Gus and brother Nick.
Ryan has always cherished the moments he had with his best friend and brother Nick Copenace and cousin but often referred to as his brother, Kennedy Kelly. From spending the weekends in Onigaming playing video games with them, ghost hunting around the reserve, playing baseball with cousins, Ryan always had an activity he looked forward to during his visits.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Annie Robertson; stepfather, Julius Robertson; brother, Nickolas Copenace; sister, Latasha Copenace (Chris Peters); and his expected niece, Baby Copenace-Peters. He is also survived by his grandfathers, Gus Copenace and William “Chuck” Fisher (Karen Hunter); his grandmother, Kim Broderick; and his girlfriend, Hayley Spence; and numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins; too many to mention.
Ryan was predeceased by his father, Ricky Copenace; grandmother, Pamela Copenace; uncle, Mork Copenace; and aunties, Katie Fisher and Angel Fisher, and to all who held a special place in Ryan’s heart.
A Traditional Wake will take place in Onigaming First Nation on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with a traditional ceremony, officiated by Howard Copenace to follow on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Pallbearers; Kennedy Kelly, Chris Spence, Luke Linklater, Chris Peters, Collin Morrison and Elijah Delorme.
The family would like to say Miigwetch for the support from the Treaty Three Police Service, Browns Funeral Home and Onigaming First Nation.
