Gordon Boswell, "Skhin (young man)" of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly Ponsford, MN, journeyed to the spirit world on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes, MN, at the age of 66.

Gordon was born on December 10, 1954 in Ponsford to Andrey Ellis and John Ladeau.  His stepfather was Sheldon Ellis.  Skhin was the second oldest of ten children.   He received a hockey scholarship and attended parochial/military school at Shattuck St Mary's.  IN 1972-1973, he was on the crack squad and graduated high school at the age of 16.  Following which, he enlisted in the United States Armed Services, Skhin served a three-year tour with the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Corporal.  He traveled all around the United States while in the Marines and worked as military policeman in California and Okinawa, Japan.  He trained for the Vietnam war for most of his life but missed the war.  Skhin then went on to have 12 children, whom he loved all dearly.  Anyone who knew him well, understood his kids meant everything to him. He enjoyed living a quite life in Minneapolis and on the White Earth Reservation.  He worked at the Casino in Security and various other jobs.  Skhin loved to bead and make keychains. He also enjoyed attending sweats and pow-wows.  He lived a very traditional lifestyle and taught Midewin basics through his example, in which he lived his own life. Skhin was a very kind, patient, and loving man who was very modest and frugal.

He is survived by 11 children: Brale Greene, Jillian Palmer, Desiree Weaver Wadena, Jordan Day, Leila Day, James Day, Reggina Roberts, Gordon Basswood, Josh Basswood, Shania Basswood, and Shequaya Basswood; 12 grandchildren: Angelina Zerna, Daycion King, Ava Day, Ciara Ortiz, Henry Day, Janeisa Poitra, Madison Day, Mariah Lee Bigbear, Dannaca Bigbear, Dancycia Bigbear, Elsie Garcia Roberts, and John Roberts; sisters, Cheryl "Pud" Boswell, Mavis Thunder-Boswell, Lori Ellis, Annette Ellis, and Pam Ellis; and one brother, Vince Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Ellis; his father, John Ladeu; his stepfather, Sheldon Ellis; one daughter, Victoria Day; brothers, Neil Ellis and Doug Ellis; and his nephews: David "Joe" Boswell, Nathan Boswell, and Dillion Goodsky Sr.

A Traditional Service was held Monday, January 11, 2021 with burial taking place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Ft. Snelling, MN, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.