Obituary for Michael Ross Ginter
Michael Ross Ginter
Michael Ross Ginter was born on June 28, 1972, in The Pas Manitoba to the McGillivray family of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Due to challenges in his biological family, Michael was adopted by Bill and Joyce Ginter when he was 3 weeks old and went to live with them in Morris, Manitoba. It was in Morris that Michael grew up, and then attended Morris School.
Michael was a very happy child and enjoyed reading and having stories read to him. This love of reading continued throughout his life, and he would read whatever books he could find. He didn’t care what the topic was and was always eager to learn. Music was also an important part of his life, and he was so proud to watch his son Cayden develop his own musical gifts.
From a very early age Michael loved to spend time outside in nature and especially loved animals. He had the patience to gently wait for a squirrel or other animal to eat out of his hand. He spent hours playing outside with the neighborhood kids and in winter could be found sledding on the dyke. In his later years he enjoyed fishing, camping and just generally spending time in nature.
Michael reconnected with his birth family, the McGillivray family of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, when he was around 30 years old and went to live in The Pas. He was thrilled to discover all his new siblings and to get to know them. He loved to learn about his Swampy Cree culture and was very proud to be a firekeeper at a Sundance and other ceremonies. When Michael was at ceremony, everybody was able to see the heart and the good spirit he brings. He was a healer.
Life was not easy for Michael, and he had many challenges and struggles, but he was usually very happy and loved to connect with people. He could carry on a conversation with anyone and was so accepting of everyone. He had a kind heart and was always willing to help someone in need. People and relationships were of much greater importance to Michael than material possessions.
On January 19, 2023, Michael was found in medical distress at his home in Winnipeg, and was taken to the Health Sciences Centre, but despite the best efforts of the medical staff there, he passed away on January 20th. Due to his love and care of people, it was decided to proceed with organ donation, and three organs were successfully transplanted.
Michael will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son Cayden (Jess); parents Bill and Joyce Ginter; brother Steve (Heather); sister Audrey (Kurt); and his siblings from the McGillivray Family. He will also be remembered by his nephews, friends, and other extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to Siloam Mission. Siloam was a great support to Michael over the years and we are grateful for their care and kindness.
A private funeral is being planned. There will be a live stream available at Friends Funeral Service website starting February 11, 11:00 at https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/68397
Michael Ross Ginter was born on June 28, 1972, in The Pas Manitoba to the McGillivray family of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Due to challenges in his biological family, Michael was adopted by Bill and Joyce Ginter when he was 3 weeks old and went to live with them in Morris, Manitoba. It was in Morris that Michael grew up, and then attended Morris School.
Michael was a very happy child and enjoyed reading and having stories read to him. This love of reading continued throughout his life, and he would read whatever books he could find. He didn’t care what the topic was and was always eager to learn. Music was also an important part of his life, and he was so proud to watch his son Cayden develop his own musical gifts.
From a very early age Michael loved to spend time outside in nature and especially loved animals. He had the patience to gently wait for a squirrel or other animal to eat out of his hand. He spent hours playing outside with the neighborhood kids and in winter could be found sledding on the dyke. In his later years he enjoyed fishing, camping and just generally spending time in nature.
Michael reconnected with his birth family, the McGillivray family of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, when he was around 30 years old and went to live in The Pas. He was thrilled to discover all his new siblings and to get to know them. He loved to learn about his Swampy Cree culture and was very proud to be a firekeeper at a Sundance and other ceremonies. When Michael was at ceremony, everybody was able to see the heart and the good spirit he brings. He was a healer.
Life was not easy for Michael, and he had many challenges and struggles, but he was usually very happy and loved to connect with people. He could carry on a conversation with anyone and was so accepting of everyone. He had a kind heart and was always willing to help someone in need. People and relationships were of much greater importance to Michael than material possessions.
On January 19, 2023, Michael was found in medical distress at his home in Winnipeg, and was taken to the Health Sciences Centre, but despite the best efforts of the medical staff there, he passed away on January 20th. Due to his love and care of people, it was decided to proceed with organ donation, and three organs were successfully transplanted.
Michael will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son Cayden (Jess); parents Bill and Joyce Ginter; brother Steve (Heather); sister Audrey (Kurt); and his siblings from the McGillivray Family. He will also be remembered by his nephews, friends, and other extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to Siloam Mission. Siloam was a great support to Michael over the years and we are grateful for their care and kindness.
A private funeral is being planned. There will be a live stream available at Friends Funeral Service website starting February 11, 11:00 at https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/68397