It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Ruben (aka Oscar) Cantin Jr on June 24, 2026. Ruben was born in Dryden, Ontario September 6, 1971. He was raised and lived on Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Ruben Jr is predeceased by his beautiful daughter, Tiera Bruyere and unborn grandson. His late partner, Mary Trout. Parents, Ruben Sr and Agnes Cantin. Aunts and Uncles; Birdie and Joyce Cantin. Madeline and Doug Sr Skead. Roy Cantin Sr and Peter Cantin. Rose Kelly. Dorothy and Stanley Indian and Fred Morrison. Relatives; Roy Jr Esquega, Lynn Skead, Edwin, Albert, Conard and Donald Morrison. Nephews; Daniel Cantin and Adam Lacroix. Neice Tiffany Morrison.
Ruben was the third child out of 5 siblings. He had a huge sense of humor – always ready to make people laugh.
He had a huge passion for sports all his life. He was an excellent athlete in hockey, baseball and golf. Ruben made the Dryden Eagles Hockey team in the early 90’s that helped take the team to the NORWOSSA Championship. His teammates named him, Hot Stick Cantin. He played with Wabigoon and Eagle Lake teams in numerous hockey tournaments. Including the North American Band tournaments in Kenora. He committed playing for the Wabigoon Braves baseball team for years and helped the team at the National Baseball tournament in British Columbia in the late 90’s. Later on, he played with the Dryden P.I. Rippers. He coordinated his late father’s 4 year Memorial Golf tournament with his mom and sisters.
Ruben Jr was a council member for Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation from 2020-2021.
Ruben met Renee and got married August 18, 1995 had two beautiful children; Nathan Bruyere and Tiera Bruyere(late). Both Tiera and Nathan followed in their father’s footsteps for the love of hockey and baseball.
Ruben also loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family.
Ruben leaves behind his son Nathan Bruyere (Ruth) Grandchildren: Chayton Bruyere (Tiera), Sawyer and Jett (Nathan). His sister’s Amanda (Leslie), Teresa (Lloyd), Karen (Marcel) and Stephanie (Louie) and uncle Jerry Morrison and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruben will be missed by many.
A Viewing will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Community Centre. A Traditional Service will follow on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Pallbearers in honor for Ruben are: Clarence Shabaquay, Marlon Gardner, Sheldon Morrison, Gary Skead, Nick Skead and Ivan Napish.
In lieu of flowers and donations, spend time with loved ones….
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