(807) 221-3000
dcfh@drytel.net
249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3

Butsie Rivers July 28, 1951 - May 22, 2024

Date of Funeral

July 6, 2024

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom, nana, and friend, Butsie.

Butsie was born in Dryden on July 28, 1951 to Nora and Henry Besselt.  At 14 years old, she met the love of her life, Brent.  They were married 4 years later, with Chris and Cathy arriving in succession a few years after that.  Many years of love, laughter, houses, and fishing trips up Lac Seul followed.  As the kids grew up, she became a mom to their friends as well.  Her pride and joy were her grand daughters, Mara and Aviva.  They loved to do crafts together and she could never get enough snuggles.

Butsie enjoyed sewing, needlework, painting, and of course, quilting.  Her many talents touched so many people. When she wasn’t crafting or camping, she loved to travel, whether it was road trips with the Zirka Dancers, Europe, Hawaii, or her many adventures with Brent exploring the southern states.  She always had a smile on her face and made friends everywhere she went.  She was a kind and generous friend – there is nothing she wouldn’t do for you.

Butsie was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year and was taken way too soon. Butsie will be missed by her loving husband Brent, brother-in-law Randy (Sue), sister-in-law Fay, son Chris (Kara), daughter Cathy (Don), grandchildren Mara, Aviva, Dylan, and Miah, great grandchildren Nora and Ivy, along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Dryden Go-Getters on July 6, 2024 at 1 p.m.

Condolences(16)

  1. REPLY
    Bob and marj Pinkerton says
    May 28, 2024 at 2:46 pm

    Such a beautiful person inside and out. So sorry for your loss. Live and prayers to all the family

  2. REPLY
    Linda Jones-Addison says
    May 28, 2024 at 2:49 pm

    Butsie was a treasured friend over many years and she will be missed by all who loved her. Sincere condolences to her family who meant the world to her, especially her precious grandchildren.

  3. REPLY
    The Ellwoods says
    May 28, 2024 at 3:18 pm

    Brent, and family…we are so very sorry for your profound loss. Terry and Leni

  4. REPLY
    Lorraine Ogilvie says
    May 28, 2024 at 3:42 pm

    Please accept my condolences for your loss. I was shocked and am saddened by Butsie’s passing. I will always remember her as a smiling, happy, positive and kind soul. My family was friends with Butsie’s parents, and of course my sister Carol knew her best. Her generosity of spirit will always be remembered.

  5. REPLY
    Glenice Sveinson says
    May 28, 2024 at 5:55 pm

    Our sincere condolences to you and your family Brent on the passing of Butsie. May she rest in peace and your memories of her last a lifetime.
    Keith and Glenice Sveinson

  6. REPLY
    Innis Brodhagen says
    May 28, 2024 at 5:56 pm

    I will always remember and be grateful for all of the dancing trips, so many great memories!

  7. REPLY
    Alieta Rafter says
    May 28, 2024 at 9:39 pm

    We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
    Alieta & Terry Rafter

  8. REPLY
    Colleen Ladouceur says
    May 29, 2024 at 2:17 pm

    So sorry to hear of Butsie’s passing. Such a beautiful, caring, genuine lady who would light up the room. Deepest condolences to Brent and family.

  9. REPLY
    Rick and Karen Smith says
    May 29, 2024 at 4:50 pm

    We are very sorry that Butsie is no longer with you. She was a great person.

  10. REPLY
    Bob Hampe says
    May 29, 2024 at 6:02 pm

    So sorry to hear Butsie’s gone, Brent. Way too young….Take care.

    • REPLY
      Robert Hall says
      June 6, 2024 at 10:47 pm

      My Sincere Condolences Brent to You and Your Family with the loss loss of Your wife Butsie. May the God of all Grace and Mercy provide His everlasting comfort and hope to You

  11. REPLY
    Craig Clark says
    May 30, 2024 at 1:18 am

    Brent sorry to hear of your loss ,
    An old neighbour from Thunder Bay recognized the Rivers name (from mom)and forwarded Butsie’s obituary to us .
    Our condolences to you and your family
    Cousin’s Craig , Carrie & Sharon Clark ( Thunder Bay – Sudbury , Caledonia , Manning Alta )

  12. REPLY
    Sandy Hamilton says
    June 1, 2024 at 11:05 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of you beloved wife Butsie. I think I only met her once and that was at Grandpa & Grandma’s 60th wedding anniversary.
    Cousin: Sandra (Rivers) Hamilton – Penticton, BC

  13. REPLY
    Pien Schaffer says
    June 7, 2024 at 11:09 am

    My sincere condolences of the passing of Butsie . I was shocked to hear of her passing .

  14. REPLY
    Danee Pateman says
    June 9, 2024 at 11:59 pm

    My forever friend,

    From day 1 – our bond was immediate. I knew that laughing with you was my new favourite thing!

    Thanks for sharing your creativity, infectious enthusiasm, knowledge of all things Royal, and your Christmas magic with me.

    With you I always felt at home, no matter where in the world we happened to be.

    Until we meet again, I will continue to miss you!

    ❤️Danee Pateman ❤️
    Toronto, ON

  15. REPLY
    Annette Bryk says
    June 19, 2024 at 4:13 am

    I had the pleasure of meeting Butsie for the first time at a Dryden Sunset Guilt Retreat. What a talented lady she was and within those couple days I learned of her family and I could see all the love she had for them and her friends. My condolences go out to all of you, she will be missed.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meno Ya Win Health Centre - MRI, 1 Meno Ya Win Way, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B4, or to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre - NICU, 820 Sherbrook St. Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, or the Motor Neuron Disease Clinic, Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3.

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