Floyd Gabriel

“ MAGNIFICENT BEAR “

Lord, lead me home. With heavy hearts we regret to inform the world that a beautiful soul has left the physical and entered into the spirit world, with his mother, wife and son by his side.

Floydie was a magnificent man, all who knew him feel A GREAT LOSS. Floydie, loved his family, friends and community. During Floyd’s final moments, made his peace and expressed his love, looked at death in the eye and journeyed home. His mother told him to be brave and brave he was.

Floyd is predeceased by his loving grandfather Adelard & Leon, grandmother Bertha, great grandparents  Florence and Ernest Gabriel, Carl and Sarah Gabriel, great-great grandparents Adeline and Joseph Gabriel, brother Derek, cousins Rocelyn, Aycious, Sterling, Elvis, and great uncle Arthur, friend and Master Steven Prince, and former boss and friend Al Sims.

Floyd was born in Dauphin Manitoba to Josephine and Arnold. He was raised in Waterhen F. N., the first three years of his life and later moved to Portage la Prairie where he lived his remaining years.

Floyd was well respected in his community. He was an alarms technician, he devoted 12 years of his life to All Star Alarms. He was proud that he brought safety and security to his community. Floyd also devoted himself to the community of Long Plain, he was happy to be part of Vision Quest and various celebrations, where he met a lot of important people in our Indigenous community.

Floyd believed in traditional ways just as equally as he did the gospel, he often smudged and wanted to know more about his culture, he was proud to be Anishinabe, he accepted Jesus in his heart before his departure, which gave his family great comfort and peace.

The Gabriel family’s rightful last name is Nenakowekapo which was changed unwillingly back in the day before Floyd came to the world, it means: “The people in the center of the earth, looking the other way”, Floyd was so proud that he had a last name, that’s both traditional and meant something.

Floyd was proud of his Waterhen community, he believed in there fight for justice and equality. He wished for change in the current system. He wished that he could have done more.

Floyd was the prefect guy to have around, in a sticky situation. A McGyver, he always came prepared, if you required a certain tool or gadget, Floyd was your man. He had an interest in becoming a certified electrician, he loved tubing, cooking, K9’s, gaming, the great outdoors and cycling long distance. He loved his cousins; they know who they are.

When Floyd heard of his older brother Derek’s passing, Floyd immediately made his way to his father and siblings, he cared and loved his Nepinak family. He was the rock during their difficult time. He also, loved and respected his Pine Creek family and wished he had more time with his grandfather Leo.

Floyd loved and adored his second parents Lisa and Stephan Prince. He joined the Prince Ogitchita Martial Arts Systems at a young age and will be honored with a full martial arts blackbelt. Floyd’s auntie Priscilla also held a special place in his heart, he loved her beyond measure. His uncle boss and uncle Andy were raised with Floyd, as they are not too far off in age. There are many great memories, some of which will be kept in hearts for us to remember.

Floyd had a special K9 friend named Lucy. He was proud of her. He often said ‘I don’t know why someone would throw away a perfectly good animal, SOME PEOPLE CAN BE SO CRUEL”. He protected her and brought her back to life when she suddenly became ill. Floyd left Lucy in trust of his mom, as he knows she will be well taken care of.

Floyd married his best friend Kelsie, he said” she will always be my love and light”. He loved her like no other. Floyd’s legacy will live on through his sons Aries and Bear. His memory will be honored and kept alive. Floyd will always be celebrated with his children, family and friends.

Floyd was a beautiful person, he liked hearing people’s stories and had compassion and love for humanity. He liked hearing about the unknown and kept up with the latest scientific developments. It melted his heart when his mom would call him “my baby”, he was her only child, she would say to him “you are my best son in the whole world”.

Floyd is survived by his parents Josephine and Arnold, his grandmother Bernadette, his grandfather Russell Chartrand, his God parents Muriel and Franklin, his sisters and brother Byron, his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends too numerous to name.

To my beloved son,

I’m going to miss you. I am happy and proud that you chose me to be your mother. You brought me so much joy, you were a great son, a parent wish granted. I always admired your pure heart, gentleness, kindness and courage. You are my rock, even after death, your memory is strong, ingrained in my heart. You fought a good fight, its not how you died but how you lived that matters. You took your first breath and your last in my arms. I will always have your back; I will be fighting for your honor and what’s right. You were here just briefly then you were gone. A mother’s love and bond for her son will never be broken, your love and generosity will live on, I will make sure everything is carried out the way you wanted it to be. Rest well my son, I love you!

To Those I love and Those Who loved Me:

When I am gone, release me, let me go…

I have so many things to see and do;

You mustn’t tie yourself to me in tears;

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness,

I thank you for the love you have shown.

But now its time I travel on alone.

So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

Its only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on;

So if you need me call and I will come.

Though you can’t see me or touch me,

Ill be near and if you listen with your heart,

You’ll hear, all my love around you so soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone;

Ill greet you with a smile and say “welcome home”

A celebration of Floyd’s life will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Saturday, February 13, 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. He will be  laid to rest on Sunday, February 14, 2021 @ at 12 noon Evergreen Memorial Gardens officiated by Chuck Marshall.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Floyd’s memory to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com