Obituaries

Lyle Ritchie “Graz” “Baashkoweng” Shipman, age 67, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died peacefully on November 5, 2024, at Butterworth’s hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born on April 18, 1957, in Sarnia, Ontario, to Stanley G. Aquash and Carolyn G. Shipman.

Graz grew up on Walpole Island First Nation, Ontario. He met Adrienne and they married on December 16, 1978, by the Snye at Bkejwanong, Ontario. Graz was a pipe carrier in the region of the Great Lakes, teaching traditional ways, and active in community service for the tribes. His mother recognized his talents as a young boy and encouraged him to be an artist. Graz was self-taught and created extraordinary paintings, drawings, carvings, and various traditional items.

A proud graduate of Bay Mills Community College, he studied Human Services and was elected to serve as Student Body President. He received honors in Best of Show at the Sault Arts Festival and the Sault Se. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Juried Art Show.

A kind, giving and compassionate man, Graz enjoyed traditional powwow dancing, riding his bike, walking in the bush, and spending time with children, teaching them traditional ways, and serving the People. He loved his family, friends, and traditional way of life.

Graz is survived by his wife, Adrienne; daughter, Summer Sky Ailing of Sault Ste. Marie, grandchildren, Justice Ailing; brothers, Kenneth Shipman Sr. Walpole Island, Ontario, Lorne “Kelly” (Gail) Shipman Bay Mills, MI, Gene “Ben” Shipman of London, Ontario, Lyndon Shipman of Elliot Lake, Ontario; sisters, Andrea Shipman of Toronto, Ontario, Cheryl Aquash of London, Ontario, Alanna Shipman of Elliot Lake, Ontario, and Angel Shipman; brothers-in-law, Lynn (Marsha) Ailing, Lee (Rennel) Ailing, Lon Ailing, Leslie (Tracy) Ailing: many nieces and nephews; and many others he taught that were so dear to his heart.

Graz was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Carolyn; brothers, Clint Shipman, Mitchell Aquash, and “Boss” Kale Shipman; sister-in law, Kim Santigo; brother-in-law, Lance Ailing; sister-in-law Deb Milliken and niece, Ndawnis Shipman.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM. at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and continue with ceremony until the final viewing and burial on Saturday, November 9, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM.

Graz’s final resting place will be at Mission Hill Cemetery in Bay Mills, Michigan.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.