Leo St. Aubin February 10, 1934 - July 11, 2026

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Leo St. Aubin on July 11, 2026.

Leo’s story was one of adventure, perseverance, and making the very most out of life. Around 1950, as a young man looking for opportunity, he arrived in Dryden after jumping a freight train outside Hull, Quebec. It was the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape not only his own life but the lives of so many others.
He found work as a mechanic at the local Husky station and quickly fell in with a lively group of friends who knew how to enjoy life. As Leo would often say, they may have been “a bad bunch,” but they became lifelong friends. One eventually became his brother-in-law, another would later become the father of one of his daughters-in-law, and, perhaps most importantly, one introduced him to his little sister, Lorraine. It wasn’t long before Leo and Lorraine began building a beautiful life together that would include six children and nearly seven decades of marriage.

As the forestry industry evolved, Leo trained as a Heavy Duty Mechanic to work on the new tree harvesters. Then, in an instant, everything changed. While repairing a broken hydraulic hose, an operator accidentally bumped the controls. The devastating accident claimed one of Leo’s legs and shattered the other in 27 places.
Many thought the odds were against him, but they underestimated Leo’s determination—and the strength of the Dryden community. Half the town seemed to roll up their sleeves to donate blood, helping save his life. After three long years of hospitals and rehabilitation, Leo refused to let tragedy define him. He returned to work at the mill, retraining as a Small Engine Mechanic so he could continue providing for the six children Lorraine had so courageously been raising while he fought his way back.
Never one to stand still, Leo began repairing small engines in his backyard. That small operation grew into a rented shop and eventually became the business Dryden has known for generations as St. Aubin Saw Shop. His customers became friends, and his friends became family. He always had time to lend a hand, offer advice, or help someone who needed it.

When he wasn’t working, Leo could usually be found hunting or fishing. Those adventures became legendary among family and friends. Most involved a shot or two of whiskey, a few unbelievable stories, and equipment being pushed far beyond what anyone thought possible. If there was an adventure to be had, Leo was usually at the center of it—with a grin on his face.

Leo was tough, but beneath that toughness was a generous heart. Together, he and Lorraine instilled an incredible work ethic in their children, teaching them that no obstacle was too great, no challenge too difficult, and that every day was a gift to be lived to the fullest. Those lessons carried extra weight because everyone knew Leo wasn’t just talking—he had lived them.

Leo is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Lorraine; his children Diane (Ron), Alice (Len), Bob (Debbie), Leo (Mary), and Ronnie (Faith); along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Jeannine, in 2011.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Princess Court for the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care they provided to Leo.
Leo leaves behind a legacy of resilience, hard work, laughter, generosity, and an unwavering love of life. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

And if Leo had one final message for all of us, it probably wouldn’t be to spend too much time shedding tears. He’d tell us to raise a glass, hug the people we love, head out on one more adventure, and make the very most of the years we’ve been given.

A Private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance Pet Network, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1