Added Friday, May 24th, 2013

In loving memory of Jean Wheatley, age 81, who passed away in the Dryden Regional Health Centre on Thursday May 23rd, after a nineteen year battle with cancer. She is pre-deceased by her husband Thomas, and sons Gordon and Edward. She is survived by her sons Roger (Darlene), Marvin (Leonida), daughter-in-law Tammy, her ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other relatives.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Jean Wheatley will be held on Monday, May 27th at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church. Interment of ashes will be held in Thunder Bay at a later date.
If so desired donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association in Jean’s memory through the Stevens Funeral Home, P.O. Box 412, Dryden P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca

Added Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

In loving memory of Shane Doherty, age 62 years, who passed away in the Dryden Regional Health Center on Wednesday, May 22nd.
Shane is survived by his wife Kathleen, his sons Conor (Jodi), Bryan and Patrick (Brittany Wilson) Doherty, all of Dryden, his grandson Cohen Doherty, brothers: Bill Doherty and Gary Doherty as well as numerous other relatives.
A Memorial Funeral Mass to celebrate the life of Shane Doherty will be held Monday, May 27th at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Alan Campeau officiating. Interment of ashes will take place in the Dryden Cemetery at a later date. Visitation and prayer will be held Sunday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the Moffat Chapel of Stevens Funeral Home.
If friends desire donations may be made to the Dryden Regional Health Service Foundation room refurbishing campaign through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca

Added Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

In loving memory of Dean Haney, age 69 years, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 20th, 2013.
Dean had a long career in the pulp and paper industry, working in Dryden until his retirement. Dean loved to spend time with his family and friends, and was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed his home on the lake that he shared with Carmen and his four-legged friends. Dean enjoyed his grandchildren, the outdoors, fishing and camping and made many wonderful memories camping at Aaron Park with family and friends over the years.

Dean is survived by his wife Carmen, his children Stacey (Rick), Alison (Kevin), Becky (Steven), Sherri (Paul) and Darcy (Colleen), his grandchildren, Landin, Brayden, Ethan, Kaden, Ty, Sam & Maggie as well as numerous other relatives.
Dean is predeceased by Dianne beloved wife and mother, his mother, Geneva and father, Russell, his sister(s) Millie, Joyce and Opal and Brother(s) Larry, Richard & Orville.
As per Dean’s wishes there will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.

A private family Funeral Service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held with Pastor James Wood officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, memoriam donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home 249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Haney

Added Thursday, May 16th, 2013

In loving memory of Leirra Levon Fiddler, age 28 years, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday May 11th.

Leirra is survived by her children Kerilyn Gray, Audrey Gray, Rose Gray and Braden Fiddler, mother Loretta Fiddler, grandmother Eille Fiddler, siblings Leroy Fiddler, Jules Fiddler and Lichelle Fiddler as well as numerous other relatives.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Leirra’s life will be held Thursday May 16th at 2:00 p.m. in New Life Church with Pastor Jonathan King officiating. A Funeral Ceremony will take place on Sandy Lake First Nation Saturday May 18th with interment to follow in Sandy Lake First Nation. Visitation will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 at New Life Church prior to the service.

If friends desire donations may be made to a charity of your choice through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca

Added Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Clifford Earl Buffett, age 90, passed away peacefully Monday, March 25th, 2013 at Lady Isabelle Nursing Home with family by his side. Born March 18th, 1923 to Edith and Jack Buffett in Toronto, ON, Cliff was the eldest of 3 sons.

Cliff proudly served his country in the Royal Canadian Navy aboard the H.M.C.S. Vegreville minesweeper during WWII. Shortly afterward, while retraining in Fort William, Cliff met his beautiful bride, Marie Joy Heard, and was married in 1946 in Dryden, ON.

Cliff had a long career in the pulp and paper industry, working in Sturgeon Falls, Fort William, and North Bay, before retiring as a first class stationary engineer with McMillan Bloedel in Sturgeon Falls, ON. Cliff loved to spend time with his family and friends, and was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed listening to music, reading and Sunday drives. Cliff was actively involved with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 599, where he served as an executive member for many years, and with the Royal Canadian Naval Association.

Cliff was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Marie; his parents and brother, Nelson Buffett. He is survived by his four children; Brian (Barb) Buffett of Dryden, ON, Sherry (Gerry) Beauregard of North Bay, ON, Dawn Bonany of Trout Creek, ON, and Sandy Buffett of Okotoks, AB; along with seven grandchildren; Melanie Buffett, Marnie Buffett-Pitt, Kara Bellman, Crystal Bonany, Juli Potter, and Brandon and Brittany Schur; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Ronald Buffett of Sturgeon Falls, ON; nephew John Buffett; and many other loving friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 30th, 2013 at 2:00 PM in the Martyn Funeral Home Chapel. Friends may visit with the family that same day from 12noon to 2:00 PM.

A Legion service will be held Saturday, May 25th at 11am in Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Cliff over the last two years. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or Alzheimer Society of Canada. Online condolences at www.martynfh.com

Added Friday, May 10th, 2013

In loving memory of Courtney Leigh Barkman, age 23 of Dryden, who passed away on Thursday May 9th, 2013.

Courtney is survived by her mother Christa (Floyd) Derouin, father Peter Barkman, children Noah, Shirley & Asia, sisters Nicole, Emily, Brianna, Aunties; Brenda Morrison, Ruth Stevens, Stella Montour, Linda Barkman, Gloria Barkman, uncles; Marty (Mary) Lands, Norman Lands, Mitchell (Pat) Lands, Patrick (Lisa) Lands, & Floyd Barkman. She was predeceased by her brother Gabriel.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 4:00 p.m.
until time of Service at the Eagle Lake Community Centre.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday May 14th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Eagle Lake Community Centre with Elder Robert Kelly officiating.

Interment will follow in the Eagle Lake Cemetery.

If desired, memoriam donations may be made to the Shelter House through the Dryden Community Funeral Home 249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Barkman

Added Friday, May 10th, 2013

In loving memory of Guy Dumontier who passed away at his residence on Thursday, May 10th. He is survived by his children Noel, Dee, Donnie, and Penny, and also by his 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 13th at 2 pm at St. John's Roman Catholic Church with Father Cornelius Amaechi officiating. Visitation will be held Monday May 13th at St. John's Roman Catholic Church from 1 to 2pm. Interment will follow in the Red Lake Cemetery.

Added Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

In loving memory of John Ralph Mennell, age 79 of Dryden, who passed away on Thursday May 2, 2013 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Ralph was born November 29, 1933 in Windsor, Ontario. He graduated from Kennedy Collegiate, University of Windsor (B.Ed) and University of Toronto (M.Ed), served in the RCN as a Lieutenant in Halifax and in Victoria. He moved to Dryden in 1965 as a school principal at Pinewood, Riverview and lastly at Hillcrest school.

Ralph is survived by his wife Mary, brother Garn of Barrie, Ontario, children Linda (Dave) Hadaway of Stouffville, Ontario and Eric (Trish) of Toronto. And his grandchildren; Kevin, Brian, Matthew, Keewatin, Nicholas, Zoe and Nate.

As per Ralph’s wishes there will be no Visitation as cremation
has taken place.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday May 9th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church with Father Richard Kennedy officiating, with a lunch to follow.

Interment of ashes will be at a later date in the Amesdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Luke’s Anglican Church of Dryden through the Dryden Community Funeral Home 249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Mennell

Added Monday, April 29th, 2013

Sydney Henry Alfred Wall 1943 – 2013 On April 22, 2013, after a long and heroic battle at St. Joseph's Hospital in Thunder Bay, Sydney Henry Alfred Wall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 70. Born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on January 4th, 1943, Syd always showed a great interest in police work and, at the age of 21, joined the Ontario Provincial Police as a Constable in 1964. Syd's first posting was to Kenora, Ontario, and after 30 years of police work, including Search and Rescue and as Detachment Commander throughout parts of Northwestern Ontario, he retired as Traffic Sergeant in 1994. Syd's interests were many, but first and foremost were his Christian faith and the love he had for family and friends. Syd was an active member of the Upper Falls Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Syd loved God's creation, enjoying fishing, hunting, trapping, snowshoeing, canoeing, camping, and guiding. Post-retirement saw Syd working as a Private Investigator and fishing guide. Syd was very community minded and this was reflected by his involvement with numerous community clubs, as well as spear-heading and organizing community events. Syd was a talented guitar player, often singing for church, AWANA youth group, and at other get-togethers which typically involved a campfire. Syd's love for the outdoors inspired him to build a log home on a lake shore property, which was completed in 1995, where he and his wife, Lee, lived until a traumatic motorcycle accident took place in August of 2011. Syd and Lee recently celebrated 50 years of marriage together. Syd will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife Lee; children Catherine (Shane) Anderson and Steven (Sheila) Wall; grandchildren Jade Anderson (fiancé Rainer Zill) and Noah Wall; and many treasured friends. Syd was predeceased by his parents, Sydney Wall Sr., and Catherine (Wall) Robertson. Visitation will be held at the Dryden Community Funeral Home in Dryden, Ontario, on May 3rd from 4pm to 7pm. Then a Victory Service will be held at Upper Falls Baptist Church on Highway #105, north of Vermilion Bay, Ontario, on May 4th at 11am, with Pastor John Snyder conducting the service. A time of celebrating Syd's memory will follow at the Quibell Hall in Quibell, Ontario. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Syd's honour to St. Joseph's Foundation, 63 Carrie Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4J2.

Added Monday, April 22nd, 2013

It is in the celebration of her life, that we announce the passing of our mother Nora Marie (Whiting) Wall age 86 on April 19 2013.

Nora is survived by her children Dave (Merle) of Vancouver B.C. Rose Bard of Cranbrook BC; Tom (Verna); Randy and Maureen; Lawrence(Sherry) all of Dryden. She is also survived by her three grandchildren Olivia (Kevin) Roberts of Kenora; Elton (Leah) Wall; and Burton Canon of Toronto and two great grandchildren Jacob and Addison Roberts. She leaves her surviving sister Greta parker of Dryden and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nora was predeceased by her brother Barney, her sister Anna ;her son in law Rick Bard and her companion Harold (Porky) Prouty.
Nora was born March 8, 1927 to Stella and Robert Whiting of Dryden Ontario and was like a twin to her older brother Barney and the protector of her three younger sisters.
She worked at the St Regis Bag factory in 1945-46 and then married Fred Wall to begin a new career as a wife and mother spending her life in the Dryden area.
She raised her children for many years on the farm in Barclay before relocating into Dryden. Those were years when her greatest enjoyment came from playing music with her family and friends she played with a group for many social events. Her love of music continued throughout her life and is passed on to her sons who have their mothers love and talent for music.
Mom was a mom and auntie to everyone and her door was always open with a pot of hot tea brewing. She loved babysitting and this gave her quality time with her grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews over the years.
She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Legion for 36 years. Mom will be remembered as a gentle and kind person who could not say no to anyone or anything. She loved the outdoors and would spend many hours in her later years sitting outside in the sun reading and feeding the birds. Her greatest passion in life was spending time with her family and she felt blessed in the past few years to have spent quality time with her family grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

As per Nora’s wishes there will be no Visitation as cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday April 24, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Dryden Community Funeral Home with Reverend Hewitt Holmes officiating.

Interment of ashes will be at a later date.

If friends desire donations may be made to the Diabetic Association of Canada or Heart and Stroke Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home.

Added Friday, April 19th, 2013

In loving memory of George (Scotty) Hatch, 88, who passed away on Thursday April 18th, 2013, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

George is survived by his wife Betty, of 53 years, sons Craig (Mary Lou)Robinson, Shane (Heather)Robinson, Brian (Bonnie)Hatch, Steve Hatch and daughter Kim (Gary)Gushulak, Grandchildren Lindsey(Dave), Nicki, Ashley(Cordell), Tessa(Riley), Scotty(Samantha), Vicki(David), Maddison, two great grandchildren Daniel and Alice. Brothers Gordon (Joan), Edward (Eleanor) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

George is predeceased by his parents James and Bertha, brothers Ray, Doug and Harry.

George served in the Canadian Army during WWII, before returning to the family farm in Dryden, Ontario. George, along with his brothers, transformed the family farm into a local dairy known as Grove Side Dairy, serving Northwestern Ontario.
George retired in 1984, due to health issues. However he continued to enjoy working around his camp on Ghost Lake, touching base with his family and friends, woodworking, bowling and curling. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, celebrating 67 years of membership. He enjoyed going for coffee with his friends and telling stories about his time in the army, life on the farm and growing up in Dryden. He was never without a smile and a story.
A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday April 23rd at 2pm at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with interment of ashes to take place at a later date.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Dryden Regional Health Centre through the Dryden Community Funeral Home 249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2K3

Added Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

“Uncle” Reino Onni Huitika, 76, died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at Dryden Regional Health Centre on April 14, 2013. Reino was born on July 5, 1936 in the original homestead in Finland, Ontario, or “behind the woodpile” as he liked to say. He travelled to Ladysmith, B.C. when he was 16 years old to work as a logger for a year before returning to Finland, Ontario to work in the logging industry. In the summer, Reino worked as a stone mason for nine years creating artisan split stone walls and fireplaces. He married Helen Kereliuk on August 22, 1959. Reino had his first butter pecan sundae which convinced him to open the Dairy Queen when they arrived in Dryden in 1965. Reino and Helen had three children and they were active in the community where Reino was a member of the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the local Yacht Club. Reino was active in business and also owned the Aroma Pizza in Dryden for two years as well as a starting a logging company and partnering in draglines and a water bomber.
Reino enjoyed socializing and liked to curl and bowl with his friends, but his passion was to fish and hunt. He was ready to go out on the first day of every fishing season and had all the newest electronics but no idea of how to operate any of them. He liked to think of himself as a “trophy hunter” and he was in constant competition with his oldest daughter.
Reino met his current partner Agnes Bachmann in 1980. He loved to spend time in the outdoors and bought a cabin on Wabigoon Lake where his family and friends spent countless summers BBQing, fishing, and having saunas. He bought Tukto Fishing Lodge in the Northwest Territories with his brother and son where he guided and entertained the guests with his endless big fish stories. Reino had a passion for gadgets and toys, and he filled his garage with thermometers, flashlights, tools, and tractors.
Reino loved to travel and visited his children often as well as exotic places around the world. He was extremely warm and personable and often made lifelong friends on his trips. Reino had a unique and easy sense of humour that made him great company, and he often had long “general meetings” in his garage with his friends. Reino retired and sold the Dairy Queen in 2011 that employed a span of three generations of staff. His friends and family were the most important things to him in his life, and that was reflected by the number of people who cared for and supported him during his final days.
Reino is survived by his children Thomas (Heather) Huitika and their daughter Kelsey from Brentwood Bay, B.C., Karen (Micheal) Pearson of Houston, TX, and Tracy (Brinder Bains) Huitika and their daughters Maya and Maxine of Vancouver, B.C. He will be missed by his long-time partner Agnes Bachmann and her children Ian Bachmann, Diane Bachmann, and Candice Bachmann, ex-wife and mother of his children Helen Pattison, sister Helen Radauskas, brothers Olivi, Robert, Don, and Rick Huitikka, and numerous nieces and nephews. His companionship will be missed by his close friends Hans Albisser, Marcel Bovine, George Breeze, Fernando Corvello, Marty Kleptch, Bill Muxlow, Esa Salo, and Pauli Viheriasalo, who enjoyed his company and helped him through his last days. He is predeceased by his parents Onni and Eileen Huitikka, his brother Albert Huitikka, and brother-in-law and close friend Alexander Kereliuk.
Cremation will take place and as per Reino’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, a celebration of Reino’s life will be held at the Dryden Ukrainian Hall Cecil Avenue on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers and donations, the family requests that friends bring pictures to put on his life board and stories to share during open microphone time.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cortens, Dr. Gagnon and the nursing staff at Dryden Regional Health Centre for providing such compassionate care of Reino during his final days.
“General Meeting Adjourned”

Added Monday, April 15th, 2013

In loving memory of Donald Alexander Austin, age 78 years, who passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday April 12th.
Don Austin is survived by his children Lisa Austin of Dryden and Curtis Austin of Toronto, by his granddaughter Ashley Charbonneau, sisters: Helen Van Patter of Dryden, Ruth Gongos of Winnipeg, and Marion McClelland of California Valley, California as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A Memorial Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Don Austin will be held Thursday, April 18th at 2:00 p.m. in the Royal Canadian Legion with Pastor Doug Wightman officiating. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
If friends desire donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Dryden Regional Health Centre Equipment Fund through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca

Added Friday, April 12th, 2013

In loving memory of Jean Marie Saunders, age 76 of Dryden, who passed away on Tuesday April 9th, 2013 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Jean is survived by her husband William, son Brian, grandsons Mike (Reaghann), Scott, brothers-in-law Dave (April), Norm, sister-in-law Linda (Bernie), 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents Charley and Mina, step-dad Bert, and brother David.

Jean liked fishing, growing flowers, watching the deer in the back yard and was an avid birdwatcher. She loved to knit and in later years she knit clothing for her grandkids and expecting parents to whom she was acquainted with. She also loved to camp and take family holidays, playing cards during social gatherings was her favorite. Jean enjoyed cooking and was never afraid to try a new recipe from the massive collection of cookbooks she had. You would often find her watching the Game Show Network, where she would shout out the answers to help the contestants out. She loved her dogs and treated them as if they were her children.

As per Jean’s wishes there will be no Visitation or Service as cremation has taken place.

Interment of ashes will be at a later date in the Dryden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memoriam donations may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home 249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Saunders

Added Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

In loving memory of George Thorpe who passed away at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, April 10th at the age of 76.
He is survived by his wife Toots, sisters Margaret and Florence, brother Bill and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11 am. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12th from 6 to 7 pm at St. Francis Xavier Church with a prayer service at 7 pm. A private interment will follow in the Woodland Cemetery. If friends desire donations may be made to the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital or the S.P.C.A. through Herold Funeral Home, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.