Michael Ray White Temple (Waniyetu Cetan – Winter Hawk), age 31, of San Tan Valley, Arizona started his journey to the spirit world on Sunday, July 14th, 2019 when he passed suddenly in his home.
Born on December, 27, 1987, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Michael was born to mother Nancy Jean Lindgren, and father Emmett Gabriel White Temple. Michael followed his older sister Katy Marie in order of birth, and throughout his life the pair shared a unique and powerful bond. Later in life, the siblings were blessed when Nancy brought Linus Everling in to their lives. Upon meeting Linus, Michael immediately said, “I like him, we are keeping him!”, and the connection cemented a foundational relationship for each. Michael was a proud big brother to his younger sister Annabelle Claire, and the duo shared many long talks, deep laughs, and mutual worldviews. Throughout his life, Michael cherished his grandmother, Helen Lindgren, and multiple times resided with his grandparents, Lillian and Emmett White Temple, Sr. Michael was incredibly loving, and gentle towards his nieces and nephews, honored them each with immaculate works of art, and will be forever remembered as “Gunkle”.
Michael was a vibrant child, always full of energy (sugar?), and spirit. He played hockey and basketball, cheered for the Timberwolves and the Vikings, and enjoyed powwow dancing.
Michael graduated from Primavera High School, attended Haskell Indian Nations University, and earned an Associate Degree in Information Technology from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He later went to work for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, and the Minneapolis Indian Health Board, as an Information Technician.
Michael was an avid traveler, a seeker of knowledge, and possessed an incredible intellect, and artistry. Michael often gifted his paintings, drawings, and beadwork to his family, friends, and relatives, and his legacy will be carried on through his works of art. Michael will be remembered for the beauty, humor, and joy he brought to the lives of all those who had the pleasure to know him.
Icankuye Wastelo, Waniyetu Cetan Kiksuyapo!
In a Good Way, Remember Winter Hawk!
Michael Ray White Temple is survived by his parents, Nancy and Linus Everling, and Emmett (Cheryl) White Temple; his Grandmother, Helen Lindgren; his siblings, Katy Marie (Cetan Wanbli), and Annabelle (Zach); his nephews, Vine and Louis; his nieces, Theresa and Lillian; numerous Uncles, Aunts, Cousins; and Special Friend Indigena Lawrence.
Michael was preceded in his journey by his Grandparents, Emmett and Lillian White Temple, Alan Vine (Redd) White Temple, Percy Good Iron, Sr., and Sylvia Everling; Uncles, Tim Stead, and Rick Santos; Cousins, Jennifer White Temple, and Nicolette Wolf Leader; and family dog, Ebony.