Salvador "Ral" Pacheco

Salvador “Ral” Pacheco, also known by his spirit name Mizaweyaa-binesi (“Flying Around Thunderbird”), passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at the age of 47. He was born on June 12, 1978, and throughout his life carried a strong spirit, deep family ties, and a presence that will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Ral’s journey was shaped by family, resilience, and connection. Though his path in life held many challenges, those closest to him remember his humor, his stories, and the unmistakable way he showed love in his own way and time. His spirit name reflects movement, strength, and watchfulness – qualities his family continues to honor. Ral’s memory lives on through shared stories, remembered laughter, and the enduring strength of family. His spirit continues its journey, carried in the hearts of those who love him and welcomed by the ancestors.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rosie and Dar Pacheco; his maternal grandparents, Patricia “Marie” Campbell and Kenneth “Duke” Losh; his mother, Teresa Marie Kingbird; his sister, Adonya “Bootsie” Pacheco; his niece, Teresa Marie Childs; his aunties DeAnne Bellanger, Alice “Ally” Campbell, Charlie “Volly” Campbell, Margaret Campbell; his uncle DelMar “Son” Campbell; his cousins Patrick Lussier, Alan Lussier, Rondel Manning; and his special friend and cousin, Mikey Boy Demo.

Ral is lovingly remembered by his father, Salvador Pacheco; son, Chopper (Celena Josephine Nelson); his brothers, Santino Pacheco, Roberto Pacheco and Sheldon Kingbird; his sisters, Angelica Pacheco, Ashley Pacheco and Vanessa Stillday; his nephew, Ramiro Pacheco and Salvador Stillday; niece Genesis Stillday; and his extended family including: Rachel Campbell, Richard Campbell, Victoria Cree, Antonio “Bro Bro” Rock and Mika Rock, Tishena Cree, and Leland “Petey” Cree, Markie Bellanger, Susie Bellanger, Marissa Pillars, Theresa Waldon and Arlanda Hancock, Emilia Garcia, Antonio Reynolds,  Kara Applebee and Christian “Christina” Applebee. He also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

A wake will begin at 6 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Bena Community Center and will continue until the service at 10 AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 with Spiritual Leader Fred Desjarlait. Active Pallbearers will be Ramiro Pacheco, Salvador Stillday, Vicky Cree, Petey Cree, Santino Pacheco, Roberto Pacheco, Patrick Lussier Jr, Leland Cree Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Salvador Pacheco, Genesis Stillday, Antonio Reynolds, Antonio “Bro Bro” Rock Jr, Richard “Chi Chi” Campbell. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Bena, MN.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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