Christopher John Cavanaugh Sr.

Christopher “Colum” J. Cavanaugh Sr., 37 of St.Michael, ND began his Journey to the Spirit World on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. A Wake Service for Christopher will be held at St. Michael’s Recreation Center, St. Michael, ND on Sunday, November 22, 2009 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s Recreation Center will leave at 2:00 p.m. from Wal-Mart. Mass of Christian Burial for Christopher will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Brian Moen and Fr. Charles Leute will concelebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Serving as Casket Bearers for Colum will be: Billy Johnson, Donald Belgarde Jr, Jason Laroque, Murle Richotte, Johnny Gaking, Jodi Gaking, Terry Ross, Perry Fassett, George "Coontz" Longie, Steve Redfox and John "Buck" Waanatan. Chris Anderson as acting casket bearer for Coontz. Honorary Pallbearers will be #1 Coach Doug Fountain, Grandma Pauline Greywater, Art Carmona, Tony Lavallie, Paula Yankton, Raymond Cavanaugh, Donnie Senger, Rick Zurcher, Harry "Beaver" Walters, Dez "Eli Lo" Driver, Justin Bagola, Travis Dubois, The Greywater Family, The McKay Family, The Pacheco Family, The Jackson Family, Louie and Jeannie Chaske, The Owlboy Family, Co-workers at Spirit Lake Refuse, Candeska Cikana Community College, Spirit Lake Recovery and Wellness Center, Genuine Builders, Sioux Manufacturing, DTI, Dr. Jackie Downs, St. Michael's Recreation Center Staff and Mike Tollefson. The family would like to thank Tony & Vina McDonald, Whalen & Renita Shaw, Bill & Charlotte Monette, Josie & Clarice Lawrence, Melissa Merrick, Kris White, and Fr. Moen for all of their Spiritual Support and the beautiful Healing Songs. The family would also like to thank Spirit Lake EMS, staff at Mercy Hospital, and Ft. Totten Police Department for all of their efforts. The family would also like to thank everyone that has stopped over to offer their sympathy, friendship, food and other gifts in this difficult time. Music will be provided by the Tony and Vina McDonald, Rhythm Riders, Kris White and Melissa Merrick and any others who would like to share their music with Chris’ family and friends. Christopher John, the loving son of William and Debra (Anderson) Cavanaugh Sr. was born on December 5, 1971 at Devils Lake, ND. He would make the St. Michael area his home for most of his life. Christopher attended elementary school grades 1-6 at the Little Flower Mission School in St. Michael and then attended the Four Winds Public School, graduating from Four Winds High School with the class of 1990. While attending Four Winds, Christopher excelled as a Cross-Country Runner on the Track team, winning many awards and first place finishes. His abilities as a runner allowed him to participate in various track events in London, England, St. Louis, Missouri, Hershey, Pennsylvania and several other states. After high school, Christopher worked for Dakota Tribal Industries for five years and then was a Supervisor at Sioux Manufacturing Corporation for fourteen years. He later worked for Genuine Builders which meant working in North Dakota and traveling to job sites in several other states including South Dakota, California, Missouri and Ohio. Christopher worked for a short time at Candeska Cikana Community College as a custodian and at the time of his death, Christopher was working for Spirit Lake Refuse. Christopher was at one time married to Meda Shaw. Christopher was an outgoing, generous, kind and caring person. He was a devoted father and was always the greatest fan and cheerleader for any members of his family at any of their activities. Christopher always showed great love and respect for his dear aunts and uncles. He loved many different sports and was a true Vikings fan. We have lost someone very special and our hearts ache with sadness, but Christopher is forever loved and will live in our hearts forever. Christopher leaves behind his beloved parents, William and Debra of St. Michael; his daughter, Erika Cavanaugh; sons, Christopher John Cavanaugh Jr. and twin boys, Devin and Drew Cavanaugh all of St. Michael; step-daughter, Lashawn (Cody) LaForte and her children, Karen Marie IronHawk and Keyin Joseph LaForte and step-son, William “Little Man” LaForte; brothers Trent Anderson, William “Huck” Cavanaugh Jr. and Aaron (Diane) Cavanaugh and his sister, Laci (Kalum) Cavanaugh all of St. Michael; godparents, John Anderson Sr. and Sherry Anderson and godchild, Colton Anderson; Eighteen nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins, including his favorite cousin, John “Buck” Waanatan also survive. Christopher was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Delores Anderson and Clarence and Mabel Cavanaugh; very special friend, Raymond Richotte and many aunts, uncles and cousins.