Tag: Ecorse

James Aquash

James Aquash pic 2

September 8, 1950 – April 5, 2019

Ecorse resident and beloved Chippewa and Pottawatomi artisan James Aquash was born into the Walpole Island First Nation in Ontario, Canada.  In the early 1970s, he became involved with the gay liberation movement on the Wayne State University campus.  As a longtime member of the local Native community, Aquash was noted for presenting his beadwork and basket weaving at area pow wows.

Wallaceburg Courier Press, April 18, 2019

Greg Hainbecker

Greg Hainbecker pic 2

October 18, 1957 – May 21, 1996

Gregory Thomas Hainbecker was born in Wyandotte and resided in Ecorse all his life, graduating in 1976 from Ecorse High School.  He was employed as a truck driver, roofer, carpenter, and handyman.  Hainbecker also worked as a longtime bartender at Gigi’s in Detroit.  He died from AIDS-related complications at age 38.

Cruise, June 5, 1996