Aurora Funeral Services Inc.

05/15/2026

Please join us for a Celebration of Ange on Friday, May 15th, 2026 from 11am-2pm at the Unifor Hall. Bring your memories, favourite stories and hearts as we bid our final farewell to her beautiful soul.

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

BIG THANK YOU to our community! Starting a new business is hard, but with all your support we get to keep serving this community with the care and compassion you have all shown us.

05/11/2026

Thomas “Tom” Wall
May 31, 1950 – May 7, 2026

Tom was born May 31, 1950, and passed away May 7, 2026, at the age of 75 years.

He was born and raised and spent his work life in Dryden. He worked for Douglas Marine, KB Body Shop, Trans Canada Motors and St. Aubin’s. He left there and opened his own business with small engine repairs. He was one of the first people to have a license for small engines in Ontario. Tom was the go-to person in the area for any small engine repair.

Tom was a member of the Classic Car Club for many years. He was also known for his love of music. He loved to get together for jam sessions with family and friends for years. His biggest challenge was learning to play the steel guitar which he played even after his stroke.

Tom was predeceased by his wife Verna, mother Nora Wall and father Fred Wall. He is survived by his brothers; Dave Thom, Randy Wall (Maureen), niece Olivia, and children Jacob and Asher, nephew Elton Wall (Laura), and daughter Olivia, Lawrence Wall (Sherry), nephew Burton, and sister Rose Bard.

As per Tom’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to DRHC Oncology, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Condolences and memories may be shared at https://aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/thomas-wall-may-2026

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2

05/09/2026

Thank you Rotary Club!!

It’s a chilly spring morning but we are ready and determined to help clean up our community! Give us a wave if you are driving by on the highway corridor!

05/05/2026

Robert “Bob” Ray
May 12, 1949 - May 2, 2026

Robert “Bob” Ray, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and the heart of his family, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at Princess Court, surrounded by his family.

Bob’s life was defined by his loving heart, his immense generosity, his incredible work ethic, and his adventurous spirit. Bob was a gifted mechanic by trade and an entrepreneur by heart; he successfully navigated multiple business ventures throughout his career, being most proud of Resource Equipment Sales (RES), a business that stands as a testament of his accomplishments, expertise, and dedication.

Bob shared his life with his best friend and his beloved wife, Barbara, for 19 wonderful years. Together, Bob and Barb embraced the beauty of the world, travelling abroad and wintering in the south, always cherishing their friendships, both new and old. No matter how far they traveled, Bob was always eager to return to his favourite place on earth: Camp. Camp is where Bob's heart belonged; it was there that he felt most at home; stockpiling wood, caring for the land, enjoying the outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman, and ensuring that camp was always ready for friends and family; Bob made room for and welcomed everyone. Bob’s quick wit, dry sense of humour, and legendary dad jokes were staples at every gathering, leaving behind memories of laughter that will be revered forever.

Bob was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, a dedicated businessman, but most of all, Bob was a family man. He was a proud and loving father to Nicole (Clark), Carolyn (Mike), Kerri (Chad), Bobbi (Brad), and Jamie (Bri). His legacy continues through his ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Bob is survived by his sister Gloria and his brother Richard, along with many beloved nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He now joins his parents, Theresa and Kenneth Ray, and his sister Georgina.

Bob’s warmth, steady hands, and generous heart will never be forgotten.

As per Bob’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2pm at the Unifor Hall with Mardi Plomp officiating. Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, Suite 316-4211 Yonge St. Toronto, Ontario, M2P 2A9 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/robert-ray-2026

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2

Please join us via Zoom: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/85255508027?pwd=TMRO5pFVbap3da4jEVUaYzKn2asezW.1

04/29/2026

Our cemetery by-law provides guidelines to interment rights owners and their families. It also provides standards and restrictions that allow groundskeepers to provide optimal care in their maintenance of the property, in accordance with provincial legislation.

Some of the guidelines include:
🌷 Flower beds/planting must not exceed 18 inches in width and are permitted at the base of monuments only.
🪨 The construction of borders or enclosures, such as fences around graves, is not permitted and will be removed without notice.
🫙 Glass containers are forbidden and will be removed without notice.
🧹 If worn and broken decorations are not removed in a timely manner, they will be disposed of by the City.

These guidelines are in place to ensure the City is able to properly maintain cemetery grounds, including all lots, structures and markers, to ensure the safety of the public and to preserve the dignity of the cemetery. If you have any questions or concerns, please phone 223-1160. For more information and exemptions, visit www.dryden.ca/cemetery

The City of Dryden values all efforts made by residents and non-residents. 🌷🌷

04/29/2026

George Edgar Mason
August 31st, 1931 - April 25th, 2026

With heavy hearts we share the passing of George “Edgar” Mason after a life well lived.

Ed was born in the doctor’s office in Fort Frances on August 31st, 1931. He attended Robert Moore Public School and Fort Frances High School. He had the honour of being selected to attend Couchiching Summer Sports Camp. After graduating high school, he worked selling furniture in Fort Frances. From there, Ed started an apprenticeship as an undertaker with Green’s Funeral Home and took courses at the University of Toronto Banting Institute. Upon becoming a licensed undertaker, Ed moved to British Columbia for a short time before returning to Northwestern Ontario to work at Brown’s Funeral Home in Kenora. A salesman opportunity came up in the sports and hardware department of Chapple’s department store prompting Ed to relocate to Dryden.

Once in Dryden, Edgar met Diane Hill and as the saying goes, the rest is history. On April 20th, 1957, Ed and Diane were married by Reverend Fraser at The First United Church, Dryden. Their wedding dinner was held at the Riverview Lodge; a place they would celebrate many occasions over the years with family and friends.

In 1960, Ed started working for his father-in-law Hugh Hill at Dryden Motors, first as a car salesman and eventually managing the business. When the property was sold and the business closed, Ed took a brief retirement before opening Patricia Chev-Olds in Dryden. In 1982, Patricia Chev-Olds closed and Edgar tried retirement again before becoming an insurance agent at Skillen Insurance. He officially retired in 1994. For many years, Ed was a partner in SAFAM with Patrick Skillen and Frank Fitzpatrick. Their investments included laundromats as well as the construction and managing of the buildings at 105 and 122 King Street.

Ed and Diane enjoyed 12 years as snowbirds in Palm Desert, California. They were happy to escape the Northwestern Ontario winters replacing them with golf, sunshine and fun times with wonderful friends. Over the years they enjoyed exploring much of Canada and the United States. Their international trips included a trip to Ireland, Scotland and England, a Panama Canal cruise, vacations in Mexico and several Caribbean islands.

Ed enjoyed many activities throughout his life including basketball, curling, snow machining, golfing and fishing. Diane remembers many times hearing Ed’s laugh across the course when he was golfing with his friends. He golfed several times a week until he was 89 years old.

Ed was always busy with something – whether tinkering to repair an appliance or lawn tractor, painting a wall, wallpapering or the never-ending tasks at the camp. Ed amazed and amused us with his ‘artistic’ endeavours.

The family “cottage” on Wabigoon Lake was always close to Ed’s heart as well as a source of pride. There have been many memories made at the cottage for 5 generations including weddings, birthday and graduation celebrations, bonfires, chill days and so many barbecues. Sitting on the dock at camp with a “Huck Finn” pole and conversation always made for a good day.

Ed had been a member of the Dryden Rotary Club, a Freemason as well as a Shriner. He also served several years on the public-school board.

Edgar is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Diane, his children Douglas (Erin), Valerie (Tom), and daughter-in-law Linnia. Grandpa was a huge supporter of his grandchildren Brett (Rhonda), Travis (Lauren), Cody (Andrea), Hilary (Orion), Celia (Logan) and Lhasaja (Blaine). GGPapa was always entertained by his great grandchildren, Kahlyn, Ronin, Nolan, Claire, Wren, Perry, Wyatt, Henry and Kaiya. Ed is also survived by his chosen family, the Smiths, Christine and Noel, Adrianne, Kyle, Olivia and Rowan, Meryl, Isaiah and Harriett as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

He will be greatly missed by the family dogs as he was the best ear scratcher, cuddler and spoiler.

Edgar was predeceased by his parents Roy and Delia Mason, his brother Donald Mason, extended family and friends. The hardest day for Edgar was March 30th, 2023, when his son Hugh passed.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Moir, Vicki Hutchison, the doctors, nurses and staff of the palliative care unit at the Dryden Regional Health Centre for their compassion and care.

BEYOND THE SUNSET

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.

The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life at the First United Church, Dryden (50 Van Horne Avenue) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11am with Alice Bloomfield officiating.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donations may be made in Edgar’s name to the First United Church, 50 Van Horne Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2A9 or Dryden Regional Health Centre – Equipment Fund, PO Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/edgar-mason

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2

04/28/2026

Raymond Glen Moody
March 12, 1948 – April 26, 2026

Raymond Glen Moody, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born and raised in Dryden, Ray built a life rooted in hard work and family. For many years, he operated a scrap and repair business on Airport Road, a venture that became a well-known part of the local community.

Ray is predeceased by his parents, Wes and Evelyn Moody, and his beloved siblings Gene, Pat, Betty, and Cheryl.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Louise Marie Moody (née Prouty); his children Linda (Dale), Richard (Shelley), and Gail (Alan); his grandchildren Glen, Marty, Tori, Mack, James, Michael, and Daniel; his cherished great-grandchildren; his siblings Neil, Celia, Ken, and Wendy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Above all else, Ray's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy — the light of his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

As per Raymond’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11 am at the Unifor Hall in Dryden. Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Canada, 1101 Kingston Road, Suite 350, Pickering, Ontario L1V 3B5 or Princess Court DECO, Box 953, Dryden, ON P8N 3E3 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/raymond-moody

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2