LONNIE J. THOMPSON - "KARIWAIENTON"

AKWESASNE – Mr. Lonnie J. Thompson "Kariwaienton", 61, of Geronimo Lane, passed into the Spirit World on Wednesday morning, March 19, 2014 at the home of his daughter, Margaret, with his family and friends by his side.

Kariwaienton was born February 13, 1953 in Cornwall, the son of Rose M. David Thompson and the late John B. Thompson. He graduated from Salmon River Central School before entering the US Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam during the war. On November 4, 1978, he married Sandra Johnson in Fort Covington with Justice Jerome Brockway, officiating.

Kariwaienton was an ironworker with Local 440 for many years. When he was younger, he worked for Marcellus Casket Company in Syracuse. Also, he once worked for CKON Radio during their early years and was a Mohawk speaker for the radio station on Cornwall Island. Lonnie also worked for a short time at the Kanawake Social Services Department and did various jobs for Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Kariwaienton was a Ceremonial Ritualist for the Longhouse. At the age of 14, he started dancing at Tom Laughing's Indian Village in Racquette Point. He continued this tradition at many Pow Wows throughout the many Native American communities. He was known as the Head Veteran at various Pow Wows. He attended Native American Teepee Meetings and was a member of the Standing Arrow Singing Society, the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group, and the Andrew W. Cook American Legion Post #1479. He enjoyed watching movies, spending time with his grandchildren, and playing slot machines at the casino.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, Sandra; two daughters, Corrine Johnson and Ryan Hill of Snye; Margaret R. Thompson and Stacy Lazore of St. Regis; three chosen children, Beatrice Johnson and Bruce Tarbell of Cornwall Island; Richard and Charlene Johnson of Snye; Jennifer Johnson of Cornwall Island; and his grandchildren, Jada Lee Thompson, Emily Trumble, Macey Thompson, Shady Thompson, Scottie Navan Hill, Kateri Loni Hill, and Lilly-Ann King.

He is also survived by his mother, Rose Thompson of Cornwall Island; his sister, Connie Thompson-Benedict and her husband, Sam of St. Regis; three brothers, Basil Thompson of Snye; Jeffrey Thompson and Valerie Mitchell of Snye; Timothy T. Thompson of St. Regis; his aunts, Esther Mitchell, Evelyn Bebee, and Christina McCourt; his uncle, Richard Thompson; and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, John B. Thompson on November 9, 1996; his brother, Larry "Louie" Thompson at age 5 months; his sister-in-law, Violet Sharrow on April 22, 2012; and his aunts and uncles, John and Tony David; Mary Jocko, Sarah, Tommy, Joe, Louie, Mike, George, Patrick, and Andrew Thompson.

Friends called at the home of his daughter, Margaret Thompson, 86 Hilltop Drive, St. Regis, beginning Friday, March 21st until Sunday, March 23, 2014 where Military honors and family memories where shared at the home. His body was then transferred to the Kanienkehaha Kanonsesneh Longhouse, where services were held on Monday, March 24, 2014. Cremation will follow services.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Lonnie's caregivers, Mark Terrance, Sarah Thompson, Colleen Thompson, Sylvia Lazore, Esther David, Amanda Bay, Francine Gray, and Anna Lisa Johnson, for the excellent care they have given him during his illness.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.