John Maxim Mishibinima Simon, better known as “Max” began his spiritual journey on August 5, 2022, at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family.
Max will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 70 years, Margaret, and their 10 children – Dan, John, Gordon, Theresa, Rudy (predeceased), Barry (predeceased), Gina, Gary “Sandy”, Donna and Darlene. He will also be missed by many relatives and friends.
Cherished grandfather “Mishomis” to 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was the eldest son of Sophie Mishibinima Simone.
Max was born in Wiikwemkoong, Manitoulin Island on February 6, 1932. For 13 years he attended Garnier-Spanish School located in Spanish Ontario where he found solace in hockey.
Max was six years old when he was placed at Garnier and spent what little free time he had on the outdoor rink. Although he was given oversized skates, he stuffed them with rags to make them work. As one of the last surviving students, Max made a lasting statement about Indian residential schools: “May this never happen to another child again.”
After exchanging vows, Max moved his wife, Margaret and firstborn, to Wawa, Ontario, where he found work and started his family. His children describe their father as a leader, warrior and devoted father who did everything in his power to instill good values and pride in the Anishnabe. Max enjoyed the outdoors, woodworking, fishing, hunting, painting, dancing and his many dogs, the two most memorable being Sam and Cap.
For 70 years, Max lived in Wawa Ontario, finding work at the Algoma Ore Division (AOD) as a miner and entertaining in various baseball and hockey leagues. His skills on the ice and his shooting were legendary, who knows what would have been if NHL scouts had ever traveled to Wawa in the pre-highway days.
Max still took to the ice regularly before reluctantly putting his skates down at the age of 84. There are many who were proud to be able to tie up and skate with him, even better to receive one of his precise passes. “He may have played center but he never expected to be the center of attention.”
He was well known on the North Shore and Manitoulin. A part of his heart remained with the island, where he often returned with his wife and children to visit his family and relatives. Max’s last trip to his home community was just days before his death – his hope was to attend the Wiikwemkoong Pow Wow, to visit friends and family. No matter how hard he tried, he physically couldn’t make it, the Creator had other plans and returned him to Wawa.
Max was a kind and gentle soul who will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Many admired him for his kind and humble nature. Of his decades at Wawa, he said, “We love the city, and you won’t meet better people than at Wawa.” His smile, kind words and twinkling eyes made everyone who met him feel special.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Max’s memory to the Wawa Lady Dunn Hospital. The Simon family would like to thank the care and love provided by all the staff and doctors at Wawa Lady Dunn General Hospital and Sault Area Hospital Renal Clinic.
A Mass and celebration of Max’s life will be announced at a later date. Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to share photos or leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).
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