Help honor Marclef (Sonny) with a worthy headstone
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On Saturday May 30th, 2020, Marclef "Sonny" Zimiga Sr. tragically passed away. He left behind friends and family who loved him dearly. Sadly, the day before his passing he spent his 83rd birthday alone in the hospital because of Covid-19 visitation protocol. Though in the hospital he still had many plans for the future. He talked of the things he wanted to do with family, like returning to his pit in Pipestone Minnesota and fishing his many spots around his hometown of Hot Springs, SD.
Sonny was a very gracious man. Those who knew him felt his kindness during every phone call or visit to his home. Everyone that entered his home was greeted with a smile and a sense of belonging. At the end of a visit, he always wanted you to leave with something special, whether it was a gift, words of wisdom or just a good meal. Regardless of what it was, you always felt welcomed.
He was a traditional sacred pipe maker. This was something he was proud of and so was his family. He was a skilled carver. There are many people around the world who have received either a statue or sacred pipe from him. From medicine men to museums, his legacy will live on.
Sadly his passing came as a surprise to everyone. What was supposed to be a short admittance to the hospital for a minor surgery, became a two week stay that unfortunately ended with him passing due to heart failure.
Because of his sudden passing, his family was truly not prepared. Unfortunately, Sonny did not have any life insurance coverage or any money saved for his final arrangements. His family had to come together and help in any way they could for his funeral.
It is now approaching one year since Sonny's passing.
Our goal is to raise as much money as we can to pay for his headstone and any remainder will go towards his memorial dinner.
His memorial dinner will be on his birthday, May 29th, 2021, in Hot Springs, SD.
The donations will be managed by his son James Zimiga.
Sonny was a very gracious man. Those who knew him felt his kindness during every phone call or visit to his home. Everyone that entered his home was greeted with a smile and a sense of belonging. At the end of a visit, he always wanted you to leave with something special, whether it was a gift, words of wisdom or just a good meal. Regardless of what it was, you always felt welcomed.
He was a traditional sacred pipe maker. This was something he was proud of and so was his family. He was a skilled carver. There are many people around the world who have received either a statue or sacred pipe from him. From medicine men to museums, his legacy will live on.
Sadly his passing came as a surprise to everyone. What was supposed to be a short admittance to the hospital for a minor surgery, became a two week stay that unfortunately ended with him passing due to heart failure.
Because of his sudden passing, his family was truly not prepared. Unfortunately, Sonny did not have any life insurance coverage or any money saved for his final arrangements. His family had to come together and help in any way they could for his funeral.
It is now approaching one year since Sonny's passing.
Our goal is to raise as much money as we can to pay for his headstone and any remainder will go towards his memorial dinner.
His memorial dinner will be on his birthday, May 29th, 2021, in Hot Springs, SD.
The donations will be managed by his son James Zimiga.
Organiser
James Zimiga
Organiser
Rapid City, SD