Ian Ross William James Pugh
1952-2024
Ian Ross William James Pugh, 71, of Dryden, ON, passed away on January 4, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Ian is predeceased by his parents Sheila (nee Mason) and Jim Pugh, and his parents-in-law Gladys and Dick Ollerhead. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty Ollerhead, and sisters Terry (Jim) Chisholm, Lynne (Harry) Deykers, and Christine Wiley. He also leaves to mourn many relatives of the extended Pugh and Ollerhead families.
Ian was born on October 20, 1952 in Birmingham, England and immigrated to Toronto with his family in 1957. He left home as a teenager to find his calling and spent years travelling and working in mines in six provinces, three territories, and Indonesia. He was drawn to the adventurous and challenging nature of work underground, and was known for his tireless work ethic, strength, and positive attitude and humour.
He met the love of his life, Betty, on October 30, 1976 at a Halloween party in Manibridge, Manitoba. It was love at first sight, and they went on to marry in 1979, and live, work, and travel together during their ‘young and wild’ years. Ian and Betty moved to Dryden in 1994 and built their forever home next door to Betty’s brother Terry, sister-in-law Dale, and nieces Katherine, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Rebecca.
Ian showed his love through acts of service for his family, friends, and community. He could often be found in the kitchen making sure that any visitors to the house had a fresh cup of tea and a treat to snack on, in town selling tickets for fundraising efforts, or in his workshop working on projects to share with a loved one.
For the last 16 years, Ian was an active member of the Vermilion Bay Lions Club. His commitment to the club and its endeavours never wavered, even through the last few years which were challenging for the community and for his personal health.
Ian loved nothing more than to get a laugh, and those who knew him knew they could always look forward to new jokes every visit, entertaining stories from his childhood and younger years, and his clever wordplay and sharp witticisms in everyday conversation. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and community.
Ian and family extend their sincere thanks to the staff, nurses, and doctors at the Dryden Regional Health Centre for their exceptional care and kindness in recent years, and Dr. Francois Doiron for his care and understanding.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 7th at 1pm at the Vermilion Bay Lions Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermilion Bay Lions Club (76 Spruce Street, PO Box 314, Vermilion Bay, ON P0V 2V0).
Be kind.
“I told you I was sick.”
Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
