Lawrence Paul Aitken

Bezhigoogaabo aka Lawrence Paul Aitken, age 74, of Leech Lake, Minnesota passed away on October 4th, 2018. Born to Pauline and Charlie Aitken in May of 1944 he grew up in Onigum/Walker alongside his five brothers, one sister, and several cousins.

Larry graduated from Haskell Institute, Bemidji State University, and the University of Minnesota Duluth. He dedicated his life to Indian Education by helping establish the Leech Lake Tribal College and serving as a professor of Ojibwe Studies for several institutions spanning three decades. Larry was also a pipe carrier and spiritual mentor to many, conducting a multitude of ceremonies for those who needed. He enjoyed spending time with his family golfing, fishing, and hunting.

Larry is preceded in death by his mother Pauline, brothers Robert, Duane, and Roger; and his uncle John Day, Sr.

He leaves behind wife Polly, daughters Athena (Trevor Hopkins), Ann (Taylor) Humphrey, and Josephine Aitken; siblings Joe (Margo) Aitken, Bob (June) Aitken, and Sandee (Steve) Haugene; countless namesakes, relatives, and friends.

An overnight wake for Larry will begin at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 7th and continue until his 10:00 a.m. traditional service on Monday, October 8th all being held at the Onigum Community Center in Onigum, MN.  Obizaan and Ombishkebines will be his Spiritual Advisors.  Pallbearers for Larry will be James Chase, Richard Day Aspinwall, Mike Schmid, Oran Beaulieu, Matthew Miltich, John Day, Jr. and Rocky Cook.  His honorary pallbearers are Ryan Julin, David McDonald, Jeff Wallin and Ray Sauer.  Interment will be in the Onigum Community Cemetery at Onigum, MN following his traditional services.  In keeping with the anishinaabe tradition, only potted plants and flowers should be brought and no Christianity items should be brought or worn.

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

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lawrence Paul Aitken, please visit our Tree Store.