Paul Dutton May 30, 1946 - October 10, 2026

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.