Norman J. Payment

Norman Joseph Payment 1970-2018 Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Norman was a life long Member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and very proud of his Anishinabe heritage. His life revolved around his son Armahn Joseph Payment and he was seeking treatment for addiction in Marquette to demonstrate his love for his son. We can be proud that Norman was sober when he crossed over. Norman had a brilliant mind; testing at the college sophomore level on the standardized California Achievement Test when he was just 13 years old. He pursued some college, worked in computer services and as a gaming dealer at Kewadin Casino working the black jack and craps tables. Norman was very creative and loved drawing, playing guitar, doing arts and crafts, gaming, watching Family Guy, and having intellectual discussions with his son pondering our purpose in the cosmos. Norman is survived by his ex and long-term partner Gina Cook, their son Armahn, brothers Johnny Payment, Jerry Payment, Steve Payment, Donny Alexander, Aaron Payment, Walter “Prid” Payment and sisters MaryAnn Dover, Janice Payment, Karen Alexander, Lisa Fisher, and Krystal Payment and many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is predeceased by his daughter Kathleen Payment, mother Katherine “Gotnee” Payment, father Walter “Johno” Payment, sister Cathy Tadgerson, and brother Joe Payment. A sacred fire was lit on Friday in our Anishinabe Biimaadziwin way. Services will start with family and friends gathering at the Negaunegeshik Ceremonial Building at 3pm on Wednesday with a potluck meal at 5pm and powaagan (pipe) ceremonies at 7pm. All Norman’s relatives and friends are encouraged to come and celebrate Norman’s life and to learn of our Indian Ways. Please feel welcome to bring and set up your pipe. Norman’s ashes will find their final resting place at a spring ceremony on Norman’s birthday on Saturday – May 5, 2018 at Wilwalk on Sugar Island. Flowers are not encouraged as Norman’s mother Gotnee did not like that tradition. Condolences in the form of contributions ~ in any amount (written to the Sault Tribe) are welcomed to support a fund to aid others in traveling to seek inpatient recovery services. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

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Norman J. Payment

May 5, 1970 - January 3, 2018