It is with heavy hearts that the family of Paul Dutton announces his passing on Oct 10th, 2026, with his children by his side. Paul was predeceased by his parents Jack and Muriel, and wife Pat Dutton. He is survived and remembered by son Jeremy Dutton (Dayna) of Thunder Bay, daughter Erin Dutton (Malcolm) of Sechelt, B.C., brother-in-law. Reg Hagar of Kenora, and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was born in Winnipeg to Jack and Muriel Dutton. He grew up in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, graduating from Windsor Park High School in 1965. He went on to attend Lakehead University, graduating with a Forestry Technician Diploma in 1969. While attending university, Paul worked for CN Rail during the summers, giving him the chance to see and experience much of Canada.
In 1969, he started his career with the MNR fire program in Kenora. Shortly thereafter, he met a young radio operator named Pat Hagar. She was the daughter of the district manager, whom everyone feared! Dad had a certain chutzpah though, and was not easily intimidated, so he asked her out on a date. They were soon smitten and married in 1974. Jeremy and Erin followed soon after.
A move to Dryden followed in 1985, where Dad continued his career at the MNR fire centre. Over his 34 years with the MNR, Dad made many lifelong friends among his colleagues and attended countless MNR bonspiels. He retired in 2003.
Following Dad’s retirement, Mom and Dad spent many winters in Port Aransas, Texas, until Mom’s untimely passing in 2018.
Dad was a lifelong Winnipeg Jets fan, though he often changed the channel when the opposing team went on a power play. He loved to cook and try new foods, but had a particular fondness for Mom’s pecan pie, which she often made for his birthday. His musical tastes ranged from the Beach Boys to the blues, and he loved movies, often taking us to the theatre during visits to our grandparents in Winnipeg.
We have many fond memories of family trips to Disney World and Niagara Falls, and especially summers at Blue Lake. We’ll also never forget Dad making a U-turn through the median ditch on the Florida Turnpike after missing our exit, determined to avoid paying another toll.
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Dryden Regional Health Centre, whose exceptional care, skill, and compassion helped make Dad’s final weeks as comfortable as possible.
A Celebration of Life will take on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with Matthew Benson officiating. Burial to follow after refreshments.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dryden Regional Health Services Foundation, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6
We love you, Dad, and we will miss you.
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John Terpstra says
October 13, 2026 at 2:53 pmRest in Piece my friend. It was great to know you.
My condolences to Jeremy and Erin.
Sharon Benoit says
October 13, 2026 at 5:25 pmSending hugs to Jeremy and Erin at this sad time. Your dad was a great guy. He’s at rest now with your beautiful mom.
Leanna Bullock says
October 13, 2026 at 5:54 pmOur condolences Jeremy and Erin. We so enjoyed your Dad’s company. His quick-wit was quite entertaining. Thinking of you both. Leanna and Craig Bullock
Jim and Cathy Gomm says
October 13, 2026 at 6:03 pmWorked with Paul in Kenora MNR. We had some very interesting times. Our deepest condolences to Paul’s family.
Jim Gomm says
October 13, 2026 at 6:15 pmI had the opportunity to work with Paul in Kenora. We had some very interesting times. Our deepest condolences to Paul’s family. RIP dear friend
Jim and Cathy Gomm says
October 13, 2026 at 7:17 pmI had the opportunity to work with Paul in Kenora. We had some very interesting times. Big fires, evacuations, etc. We offer our deepest condolences to the family. Rest in Peace my friend.
Barry Graham says
October 14, 2026 at 11:58 amI had the priviledge of working with Paul over the years on Fire Teams and other assignments, and it was always a pleasure to do so. My condolences to his family and all of his friends. He will be missed.
Art Wagner says
October 14, 2026 at 7:28 pmJeremy and Erin annd family so sorry to hear of PAUL passing great guy drank a few beer with him and mom in or young years in kenora also travelled to bc cal and vegas on a road trip 4 young guys had lots of laughs RIP PAUL DUT WAS HIS NICJ NAME
Cheryl Victor says
October 15, 2026 at 4:54 pmMy deepest sympathies Jeremy and Erin. I had a great conversation with your dad in Safeway this past summer when I was home to Dryden . He always had time for a chat and I think of his friendly smile. Remembering our kids growing up on Park Crescent. Hold on to the memories,
Cheryl V
Damon Hibbard says
October 16, 2026 at 4:15 pmA good man with a kind heart. Our deepest condolences to family and friends. Damon & Jo-Anne
Greg McKee says
October 18, 2026 at 8:52 pmPaul was a member of First United Church, where I met him. he was always quick to lend a hand and whatever we needed as a congregation and he was always active in our Mens Club. We shared many stories and lots of laughter. Sad to hear of his passing. He was one of the good ones!
John Barr says
October 28, 2026 at 9:01 amSo very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He and Pat were very good friends of Sharon and I when they lived in Kenora. My heartfelt condolences to Jeremy and Erin.
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