Raymond Charles Beaulieu, Jr., 67 “Mino Gaasigay Gisi Innini” which means “Good Bright Sunlight man” of the Makwa “Bear” clan, began his spiritual journey from Neilson Place, Bemidji, Minnesota on March 15, 2017. He was born in Red Lake Minnesota on December 15, 1949 to Mary Jane (Defoe) and Raymond Beaulieu, Sr.

At the age of 15 the family move to Illinois. At the age of 18 Ray enlisted in the United States Army and served in the medical corp in Vietnam from 1968-1970. After his service, Ray became involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM), he traveled to Wisconsin, South Dakota and California to stand up for Native causes.  During this time, Ray was able to meet 2 of his all-time favorite people, Muhammed Ali and Willie Nelson. Ray had an autographed picture with Ail that had the caption " You took me to the limit Ray". Ray continued his activism in the 1980's when he moved back to Minnesota by helping starting " The Ojibwe News" a newspaper that highlighted native issues. He was happiest when native voices were heard. As he approached middle age Ray started Indian Time Creations, which specialized in native themed clocks. There are many homes and businesses that have Ray's clock hanging on their walls. He was a lifelong Twin's and Viking's fan. He loved to play Scrabble, do crossword puzzles, fish and assemble diecast classic model cars.

Those welcoming Raymond are his parents: Mary Jane and Raymond Beaulieu, Sr., sister; Susan Oakgrove and brother; Bill Roy

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his longtime companion; Jan Lussier, Brothers; Gerald (Georgia), Michael (Eve) and Dale Beaulieu, Sisters; Erma (Cal) Beaulieu, Kathy (John) Clark and numerous nieces and nephews.

A wake for Raymond will begin Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. and continue until his 2:00 p.m.service Tuesday, March 21, 2017 all being held at Little Rock Community Center, Red Lake, Minnesota. Father Jerry Rogers will officiate. Helping to lay Raymond to rest will be, Allen Oakgrove, Jerry Oakgrove, Craig Oakgrove, Lee Beaulieu, Jon Roberts, and Ralph Thunder. Honorary Pallbearers are Keith Donnell, Darwin Lussier, Darwin Stately, Rod Spears, Keith Lussier, Arnold Oakgrove,Jr., Roland Roy, Robert Reynold, and Leslie Lussier. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Red Lake, Minnesota following his Tuesday service.

Raymond’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com