Oscar Arseneault
February 11, 1961 – April 16, 2022
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Oscar at age 61, AKA “Scar”, on Saturday, April 16, 2022 in Dryden. Pancreatic cancer is stealth and strikes quickly. There was no chance for a battle.
Oscar was the 4th of 8 children born to Pierre and Francoise. He came into the world on February 11, 1961, in Geraldton Ontario and spoke only French when his family arrived in Dryden in 1965. He had fond memories of attending Sprucedale Public School and graduated from Dryden High School in 1979 where he was awarded the honour of top automotive student of which he was very proud. His automotive skills were put to hard work to maintain and repair many of his family’s vehicles throughout the years. He could always be seen in a pretty sweet ride such as the Short ‘n Sassy, the Z28, the Jimmy and others in between until his most recent love the Red SST Silverado. You can give a wave to Lynn in this now😊
Growing up, Oscar’s family life was busy putting many hours in with chores on the family farm. He also worked as a camp hand at Witcliff Lodge when he was 16 and quickly learned to swim when his buddy Brad threw him out of the boat, drove away and said “now swim”! Another summer adventure was in 1978 when Oscar and his brother Claude ran a chip truck where they sold burgers and fries.
After completing high school, Oscar furthered his education and earned his trade by going to Sault College where he took a steam fitter course from 1986-1990. He enjoyed attending college and on Fridays he would “dress for success”, often wearing a blazer and a tie in class.
He enjoyed slow pitch in the early 1980s as back catcher for the Mud Bay Lakers, and his heckling towards the batters could be heard for miles around! Oscar met Lynn at the Golf & Curling Club in 1988 and they were pretty much inseparable after that. On July 2, 1989 they had an outdoor wedding on Wabigoon Lake and would be celebrating 33 years of marriage this July. Their first child Adam was “made in Jamaica” on their honeymoon and Oscar drove around town handing out cigars to everyone in celebration when he was born. He was very happy to welcome his sweet Madelaine who arrived a few years later and she completed the perfect family. Oscar loved Adam and Madelaine with all his heart.
Oscar was multi-talented and used his trades at the local pulp and paper mill for maintenance and gave them almost 40 years there. He was also deeply committed to the union going from shop steward, treasurer, union vice president of maintenance and union president of local 105. He also completed his millwright apprenticeship in Dryden 2005-2008. He was thrilled to share his knowledge and expertise by being a teacher’s assistant in a pipefitter course for 3 years at Confederation College in Dryden.
“Scar” was generous with his time and he was a valued volunteer for the Kinsmen club for 3 years. He was generous in his donations to various causes and won a few prizes along the way too. His huge heart was also shown by sponsoring many underprivileged children for almost 30 years.
Through a developed friendship with Peter who was a master wood worker, he mentored Oscar the old school way of building – mortis and tenon. It turned out he was a natural at this craft and built many fiddle stools, cabinets and other furniture and had many projects on the go he was looking forward to finishing. He truly did some beautiful work.
Oscar purchased his first fishing boat in 2009, and after some learning curves, he ended up finding some of the best fishing spots around. His beer batter was also the best! Many a weekend was spent travelling and exploring the back roads with his family and sometimes he ended up going down an unfamiliar road which was really someone’s driveway. He always gave a big smile and wave and got the heck out of there fast! The hibachi was always packed away in the back for an impromptu BBQ wherever we ended up.
Oscar certainly enjoyed his social time, travelling to many concerts with family and friends and when he took Lynn out for the evening, they were often the last ones dancing at a party. Oscar turned into a master gardener and cook, but left the BBQing to Lynn. He loved the outdoors with camping trips, snowshoeing and hiking on the carved trails he and Maddy made on his Richan property. Oscar had a lot of love for his pets. His precious Bear and grand-dogs Daisy and Oakley are missing him.
He had a huge presence and made a lasting impact on many lives. He had no idea how much he was loved and respected until the last few months of his life when people reached out. He was a true friend to the end and would be there in a heartbeat to give a hand, maybe some advice and visit you when you were lonely. Close friends knew how important he was to them and the value of his friendship. If he did you a “solid” we hope you will say a kind word about him and pass a good deed forward in his honour.
Oscar leaves behind Lynn, his wife of 32 years, son Adam and daughter Madelaine and his beloved dog Bear. He is survived by his father Pierre Arseneault, brother Rene Arseneault (Karen), sister Helene Russo (James), brother Marcel Arseneault, sister Lucie Marsden (Daryl), brother Claude Arseneault (Yvonne), sister Gisele Naturkach (Myron), brother Jean Arseneault (Chara). He also leaves behind sister-in law Carol Romanowski (Bill), brother-in-law Ian Dorfman (Jackie), sister-in law Joan Bailey (Glenn), brother-in law Owen Dorfman (Michele), sister-in law Ellen Dorfman (Jimmy). He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were ALL close to his heart. A special hug goes to Carly from Oscar. Oscar was predeceased by his mother Francoise Arseneault, father-in law Alfred Dorfman and recently by mother-in-law Kathleen Dorfman. He was predeceased by many beloved pets, Alf, Willy, Eve, Josie and Baby. A very special thank you to Nurse Melissa, you are the very best. Also much love and gratitude to Rick and Jen for their unending friendship and support.
Oscar had a brilliant and inventive mind and was a great problem solver. He was very brave about the future and we told him so. Oscar wasn’t ready to leave us on our own, but he made peace with his destiny and wanted us to go on and be okay without him. It’s not going to be easy, but we will try and do him the honour of carrying on. Life just won’t be the same without you Oscar. Our hearts will always hurt. We love you so much!
A Private Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held
at a later date.
Donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
