Obituary for Gerald Joseph Hamel
Gerald Joseph Hamel became a free spirit on April 29, 2017. He was surrounded by his family. Gerald was born on June 12, 1996 to Jami Hawk-Pluff and James R. Hamel. He arrived 1 minute before his twin sister Malia, whom he liked to tease and remind that he was her elder. Gerald had a keen sense of humor and an infectious smile.
In 2014 Gerald graduated from Two Eagle River School. While still attending high school he was able to take college classes at Salish Kootenai College. He was very proud of this achievement. Gerald worked various jobs on the reservation after high school. He wanted a career in the military but medical conditions prevented him from getting in so he decided to pursue diesel mechanics at the Universal Technical Institute in Arizona. After a short stint in Arizona he returned to the Reservation.
Being an avid video gamer he spent many hours in his “man cave” with his Brother Dashane. He was also passionate about music, the mountains, and outdoor life. He loved to snowboard and longboard and had crazy escapades down skyline with Drew Payne. He also loved hunting in the South Fork, Steelhead fishing in Idaho, cutting firewood, and picking huckleberries. One of Gerald’s highlights while growing up was spending many weekends with grandma Marian going to rummage and yard sales, doing beadwork projects, and having long talks.
Gerald was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. His kind heart and quiet nature will be missed dearly.
He was preceded in death by his great-great grandma Agnes Oshanee Kenmille, his papa Andrew “Andy” Andrew, grandma Marian Antoine Andrew, his niece Serenity Clairmont, his grandpa Wayne Hamel, uncle Joseph Hamel, his bro Isiah Matt, and special friend Ashley Lozeau.
He is survived by his parents, Jami Hawk-Pluff (Brad), James Hamel (Dawn); his sisters, Jordan Hamel, Arisha Hales, Mariah Hamel, Malia Hamel (Robert); and grandmother, Catherine Hamel; his companion, Veronica Richard. He is also survived by many aunties, uncles, and cousins who will all miss him dearly.
A wake will begin Monday, May 1, 2017, Rosary will be Tuesday, May 2nd at 8:00 pm, and funeral services will be Wednesday, May 3rd at 10:00 am, all at Elmo Hall. Burial will follow at Dayton Cemetery.
In 2014 Gerald graduated from Two Eagle River School. While still attending high school he was able to take college classes at Salish Kootenai College. He was very proud of this achievement. Gerald worked various jobs on the reservation after high school. He wanted a career in the military but medical conditions prevented him from getting in so he decided to pursue diesel mechanics at the Universal Technical Institute in Arizona. After a short stint in Arizona he returned to the Reservation.
Being an avid video gamer he spent many hours in his “man cave” with his Brother Dashane. He was also passionate about music, the mountains, and outdoor life. He loved to snowboard and longboard and had crazy escapades down skyline with Drew Payne. He also loved hunting in the South Fork, Steelhead fishing in Idaho, cutting firewood, and picking huckleberries. One of Gerald’s highlights while growing up was spending many weekends with grandma Marian going to rummage and yard sales, doing beadwork projects, and having long talks.
Gerald was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. His kind heart and quiet nature will be missed dearly.
He was preceded in death by his great-great grandma Agnes Oshanee Kenmille, his papa Andrew “Andy” Andrew, grandma Marian Antoine Andrew, his niece Serenity Clairmont, his grandpa Wayne Hamel, uncle Joseph Hamel, his bro Isiah Matt, and special friend Ashley Lozeau.
He is survived by his parents, Jami Hawk-Pluff (Brad), James Hamel (Dawn); his sisters, Jordan Hamel, Arisha Hales, Mariah Hamel, Malia Hamel (Robert); and grandmother, Catherine Hamel; his companion, Veronica Richard. He is also survived by many aunties, uncles, and cousins who will all miss him dearly.
A wake will begin Monday, May 1, 2017, Rosary will be Tuesday, May 2nd at 8:00 pm, and funeral services will be Wednesday, May 3rd at 10:00 am, all at Elmo Hall. Burial will follow at Dayton Cemetery.