Roald William Aho
February 27, 1947 – January 5, 2022
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Vermilion Bay Lions Hall. Interment will take place at a later date.
In loving memory of Roald Aho, born February 27, 1947 at the Red Cross Hospital in Dryden, ON, who passed away at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on January 5, 2022 with loved ones at his side.
Roald was raised in Waldof, ON. As a youngster, he and brother Harvey helped their parents with their minnow trapping business which was laborious. He enjoyed teachings from his Granny about trapping and all that entails. Roald spoke lovingly about boxing with Harvey under Dad’s watchful eye.
Mom and Dad sold the minnow business and purchased Bill’s Halfway House, where Roald assisted, at Stewart Lake then he relocated to Vermilion Bay when the business sold.
Roald had many jobs which provided him with many adventures coast to coast: Mechanics, almost acquiring his papers; working for a full service moving company, assisting with renovating homes and all that entails, assisted training/working with race horses, road construction in different provinces and a long term care home in Winnipeg, MB. He also helped raise daughter Holly in Winnipeg for 20 years.
Returning to Vermilion Bay, a workplace incident in 2007 left Roald unable to continue such laborious work, which caused him great suffering in many ways. He was denied financial insurance coverage. Roald supported himself with odd jobs and trapped rabbits to feed himself and his furbabies. His cat, 2 Pretty, assisted as well and caught partridge. He even returned to minnow trapping which he really enjoyed, even through his physical pain. He truly respected and loved this work family.
He also respected and loved all animals. Travelling to Winnipeg to see Holly with 2 Pretty and his dog Bear who warned of trouble ahead by growling and stomping his front paws on the truck dash. “Trouble” being a moose on the highway. He had many furbabies travel with him on his adventures throughout the years.
Roald referred to himself as “Dr. Dad” on many occasions. Financially strained, he helped 2 Pretty heal at home after a dog attack, removed a trap from Fritz’s leg and put a makeshift splint on so Fritz was able to survive many more years. Both cats survived 20+ years thanks to Dr. Dad. Several of his furbabies are still on the property; Bear, Coco, 2 Pretty, Fritz, Batiste and Ginger to name a few. His animals always received treats Sunday mornings. Including the birds, fox and a bear cub in a tree.
Roald enjoyed many activities; escorting Mom to functions at local seniors centres, hunting, fishing, berry picking, gardening, getting firewood with Blackie and other friends, betting on horse races, blackjack, bingo at home or at a hall, and Sunday crib with “the boys”. The crib board was never out of reach. Once in awhile during a game, if losing, his partner would “reboot”. He enjoyed “traditional” foods from family and friends when he no longer could get his own. He enjoyed ride alongs with Bill and Mark to go minnow trapping. He spent many hours with maps, pointing out “special” trapping locations. Even thinking he could make it down a steep hill to the pond with his walker on one ride along.
Roald was extremely proud that he recovered from his deadly addictions. He did not judge and was always willing to listen and help out when he could, even if that meant he would do without. He took great pleasure in teaching and guiding youngsters of all ages. Very giving and forgiving. “There’s some good in there somewhere”.
He had family keepsakes that he cherished even though they were broken or past their prime; Granny’s sewing machine, Dad’s picnic table, Mom’s cast iron fry pan and Holly’s first fish.
Roald was a prankster. He especially found humour in throwing his slipper on the floor to watch the “fur fly”. Poor Coco! He truly did not mean any harm. Things were “too quiet” and needed some excitement!
Roald was extremely happy to enjoy his last fishing trip in September even though Larry, Gord and Tim were “Rolly sitting” the old hippie for 3 whole days. Even though it was a lot of work for them, he was accommodated. Thank you!
Roald was a proud man. He hid his intense pain from family and friends. He quietly suffered in physical pain for a long time. He still had a “pretty good grip for an old man”. I will always cherish your last smile.
Roald is survived by his partner and soulmate Irene, daughters Sarah, Colleen (mother Margaret – deceased) and Holly (mother Kathy), grandsons Quiru, Tobias, Keyon’ Dre, and Jahvon, sister in law Connie, nieces Kathleen and Kristen, nephews Bill, and Robert and their families, and was lovingly referred to as Grampa by Jordan, Josh, Sienna and Sierra and their families.
Predeceased by his Dad, Mom, Grandparents, brother Harvey and son Mervin (mother Dorothy – deceased).
When you called for “Mom”, I knew you needed to be with her. Rolly, I love you, miss you but know you are free from pain. You suffered for far too long. Forever in my heart – Love Bug
Dad, the love you have for me is irreplaceable – Holly
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Second Chance Pet Network or DRHC Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
