Pee-Yah-Neep-Tah - "Hands Touching as They Pass"

March 28, 1979 - Dec. 10, 2014

Justin Case Rabago, age 35, of Miami - and formerly of Lapwai - was called to eternal rest Dec. 10, 2014.

Justin was born March 28, 1979, in Elko, Nev., to Mario and Claudine Rabago. He joined his big sister, Crystal, in the family home. Justin and family would remain in Elko until they moved to Riggins in 1983, when Justin was 4 years old.

Justin attended his early years of school, kindergarten through fourth grade at Riggins Elementary. During his time at Riggins, Justin spent many timeless hours and days, alongside his sister, growing up on the banks of the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers. It is here that their father, Mario, taught Crystal and Justin to fish and fly-fish. Justin's love of fishing would remain in his blood forever.

In 1987, the Rabago family moved back to Lapwai, where Justin would call "home," and the family remained in the same house on Grouse Road since.

After moving back, Justin attended Lapwai Elementary and thereafter Lapwai High School. It was during these years that Justin made lifelong friendships with friends and family that continued until his passing. These bonds he held close to his heart and cherished dearly.

Justin eventually obtained his General Education Development certificate in 1998. In 2001, Justin moved to Pocatello for a short time before eventually moving to Miami in 2004. Justin worked for the Miami Metro Zoo as an inventory supervisor. He remained at the zoo until 2008. He thoroughly enjoyed his employment there, taking full advantage of his opportunity to surround himself with exotic animals from all over the world.

In 2009, Justin met the love of his life, Johanna Ramos, while she was a bartender. Their love and bond remained strong and unbroken up until his passing.

In 2010, Justin and Johanna moved back to Lapwai, where Justin obtained employment with the Nez Perce Tribe Plant Maintenance and Housekeeping Division. It is here where he worked alongside his cousin, Matt, and many other co-workers he considered friends. Among other things, he liked to share stories of cleaning the tribal offices late at night and getting "spooked."

On Feb. 8, 2012, Justin and Johanna were blessed with a daughter, Jayaa Yolanda Rabago. Justin's life was forever changed as he became a father. His entire world revolved around Jayaa, forming an unconditional father-daughter bond that continues today and forever.

After Jayaa's birth the family moved back to Miami, where Justin began working for the Miccosukee Tribe in the elder program up until the time of his death. Upon his initial move to Miami, Justin quickly became acquainted with friends he eventually considered family from the Miccosukee Tribe. During his visits home, he often spoke of these individuals, telling stories of their trips in the VIP section at the Miami Heat games, attending the University of Miami "Canes" games, or riding airboats in the Florida Everglades. Justin truly loved and adored his Florida native brothers and sisters. Justin's family and relatives are forever grateful to his Miccosukee family for the love, respect and care they have shown.

Anyone who knew Justin knew that his heart, soul and spirituality were always renewed, from the time he was able to return to the mountains and valleys surrounding his home reservation - Niimiipuu Country. Justin was a true hunter, always excited about getting together with his brothers and setting out on hunting excursions for elk, moose and whitetail. His time spent trekking backcountries with his brothers and nephews are times at which he felt most at peace and closest to his creator. It is with these individuals Justin would pray and give upmost respect to whichever animal would offer its life and soul to the hunt. These are forever cherished times.

In addition, Justin was extremely proud to be a Nez Perce tribal member. At the age of 12, Justin received his Nez Perce name - Pee-Yah-Neep-Tah, "Hands Touching As They Pass." This name dates back six generations to Arthur Simon. He enjoyed attending sweat, powwows, listening to his Lightning Creek brothers jam at their drum, and most of all spending time visiting his friends and family in his many circles. Many of these circles could be found at PK's and Shooters.

He also cherished his time and life he lived in Miami. Justin truly lived life to the fullest, living a life most could only dream of. His smile, laugh and sense of humor will be missed by many.

Justin was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Art and Ida Moore; maternal uncles Arnold McCormack Sr., Arthur (Hoss) Moore, Gary (Hench) Moore and (Uncle Cal) Moore; maternal aunt Leila (Aunt Bant) Moore; and cousin Sam Enick.

Justin leaves behind his daughter, Jayaa; his love, Johanna Ramos of Miami; his mother, Claudine Rabago; sister Crystal Rabago; nephews Justin and Isias Rabago-Johnson; aunt Geraldine Jackson; cousins Luis Arenas, Bobette Billow and Matthew Enick, all of Lapwai, Shawna Crane of Pendleton, Ore., and Jody Allen of Adams, Ore.; uncle Jimmy Mac of Winchester; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A dressing ceremony will take place at noon today at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home. A celebration of life/memorial will begin at 4 p.m. at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center. Following, Seven Drum Services will begin at 7 p.m. at the Pi Nee Waus.

Seven Drum Services will resume at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Pi Nee Waus, with burial to follow at the Lapwai Tribal Cemetery, with dinner to follow.

Service Information

Date & Time

Thursday, December 18, 9:00 AM

Location

Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center
99 Agency Rd.
Lapwai, ID 83540

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Additional Details

A dressing ceremony will take place Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home and a Seven Drum service will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Pi-Nee-Waus.

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