Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [no translation provided]. Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to do a tribute to the late Sonny David Drygeese of Detah.
Mr. Drygeese was born June 2, 1975, and sadly passed away on June 6, 2017, at age 42. Mr. Speaker, David was born in Yellowknife and came from a large family in Detah. The Drygeese family also has family in Ndilo who all loved being around him. David always had a smile and a contagious laugh. He was well known for his generosity and kindness. Mr. Speaker, his passion was for playing the traditional dene drum and singing with the YK Dene Drummers, which he loved the most. On various occasions, he was invited to drum for us here, at the Great Hall at the Legislative Assembly. He would also perform at various carnival talent shows. David was one of the caregivers that I have often spoken about in this Assembly. David lived with his grandmother, Mary Louise. He drove her around, took care of her, maintained her independence as she aged in place.
Mr. Speaker, David is survived by his son, David John Drygeese, Jr.; mother, Mary Rose Sundberg; father, George Martin; sisters, Charlene, Stacey, Tammy, Grace, Cheryl; and his grandmother, Mary Louise. David also had many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunties, and cousins around Detah, Ndilo, and Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, David was predeceased by his grandparents, John Drygeese, Henry Martin, Madeline Lennie; and his brother, Michael G. Martin.
Mr. Speaker, I knew David. I have known him since he was young man. Mr. Speaker, my sincere condolences go out to the late David Drygeese's family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful young man who passed away way too soon. I am sure the Detah Drummers think of David each time they perform somewhere. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.