Michael Gene Hapa
November 6, 1974- April 29, 2008
Our beloved Michael Gene Hapa, age 33, of Poplar, Montana, went home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2008 in Poplar.
Michael was born to Frank and Margaret Hapa on November 6, 1974 in Poplar, MT. Michael grew up in Poplar and attended Poplar Public Schools. During his junior year in high school, he attended Flandreau Indian School. He returned to Poplar and graduated from Poplar High School in 1994.
Michael was very active in sports during his high school years. He enjoyed basketball and loved to run. He was involved in the Mending of the Hoop run across the reservation. He took great pride in this. In his younger years, Michael worked for the JTPA Program during the summer months. As an adult he became a seasonal firefighter.
Michael was an easy and outgoing person. Everyone who knew Michael enjoyed being around him. He liked to make people laugh. He also enjoyed hanging out with his family watching movies and being with his friends and brothers. Michael liked to go to the casino and play machines, as well as bingo and lotto scratch cards. He also liked to play cards, horseshoes and listen to music. During the summer he enjoyed going to the Pow-Wows, where he liked to watch the Fancy Dancers. Of all the categories, this one was his favorite.
Michael is survived by his parents, Frank and Margaret Hapa and adopted mother Mavis Hernadez; a son, Michael Hapa Jr. of Poplar; one sister, Evanda Redboy of Poplar, four brothers, Irvin Olson of Billings, MT, Faron (Debi), Frank, Jr. and Arlin Hapa all of Poplar and adopted brother, Evans Red Star of Florence, CO. Also surviving him are his aunties Yvette Todd of Poplar, Julia Young of Poplar, Francis (John) Boyd of Poplar, Merle & Gwen Hapa of Regina, Sask., Vivian White of Brockton, MT, Flora (Ron) Kaye of Grenfell, Sask., and Victoria Essie of Sioux Valley, Manitoba; uncles Carl (Freda) Hapa of Sioux Valley Manitoba and Raymond (Uncle Tarzan) Hapa of Sioux Valley, Manitoba; special cousins Ronalee Carpentier of Poplar, Raquel Whitehawk of Poplar, Jonelle Menz of Fort Totten, ND and Anne Lester of Poplar as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren residing in these areas: Poplar, MT and Saskatchewan, Manitoba; many relatives in North Dakota and Aunt Verna Sergeant residing at Old Agency Village, Sisseston, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Jennie Lester Davis, paternal grandparents Elizabeth Hapa Williams and Herman Hapa, his auntie Raquel Menz; uncles Lester Gene Davis, Sherwin Ermerson Davis and Evron Davis, Sr. and a granddaughter Charlynn R. Carpentier.
Michael will be missed by all until we meet again. We love you!
A Wake will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center, Poplar, MT. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the Poplar Cultural Center with Rev. Wayne Boyd, Jr. and Rev. June Lockwood officiating. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.