(807) 221-3000
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249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3

Paul (Papa) Parenteau September 5, 1943 - October 21, 2022

Date of Funeral

October 25, 2022

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend of many Paul Parenteau (Papa) on Friday, October 21, 2022.

Paul will be reuniting with his parents – Joseph and Mary Jane Parenteau, his brother – Jack, his nephews – Willie and Conrad, his granddaughters – Sophia and Allison, his grandsons – Richard Thomas and Patrick Paul and niece – Lana.

Sadly, Paul will be departing from his loving wife of 58 years – Judy; his children – Joyce Parenteau (Victor), Jeanne Cripps (Ken), Perry, Suzanne, Candace Wetelainen (Clayton aka Trapper) and numerous grandchildren – Darren, Dames, Savina, Mary, Cynthia, Jamie Lee, Shawna, Amy, Gianni, Prairie, Justine, Catherine, Sara, Landon, Ethan, River and Anna; great-grandchildren – Ariya, Christian, Nyla, Daemon, and Ember. Nieces and nephews – Leanne, Lisa, Smurf, Andrea, Jackie and Ben; and his surviving relatives – Margaret Parenteau, Peter Indian, Bill Parenteau and Effie Zoccole.

During Paul’s time here he lived a good life, following the seven grandfather teachings, and impacting those special people he took into his life as family, he was a wonderful, wise and kind soul. His home would be filled with everyone who gravitated to him for guidance and support. Papa took in Joanne and Richard Brown for a time, along with Smurf and Pattie. He also took in many single bachelors who needed a roof over their heads – Chucker, Len, and Noss.

Besides many people in his home, Paul would have a traditional blueberry camp in various locations around Dryden, where people would set up camp alongside his central hearth.

The stories of people past were shared with those around a chilly night around the fire, laughter during those simpler times left cherished memories to last a lifetime. His special presence calmed those who needed extra guidance on their own journeys. When he was passionate about an issue, he voiced his thoughts and people quieted to listen to him respectfully. He will be dearly missed by many who knew him.

He loved many things in his lifetime, not only his family – bingo, camping, trapping, wild rice picking, his Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and his blueberry Poker.

Family meals at his home were not only cooked for family members, but for anyone who walked through his door.

Paul’s heart was huge and was capable of immense love. He was a bus driver for his WLON kids and would make Tim Horton’s a regular stop for his charges.

He was a huge factor in raising his granddaughters – Jamie Lee, Shawna, and Amy; and He would take Andrea, Willie, Jackie, Ben and Conrad most weekends. And even adopted his niece, Leanne (Chummers) to be his youngest daughter Candace’s twin. Leanne and her boys would always find a Christmas present under the tree.

Kitchi Miiqwetch to Donna Chief for advocating for Paul during his last few days in the hospital, Kathy McIvor for spiritual guidance, Jackie Gardner, Bob Gardner, Cindy Shabaquay, Arlene Williams, Roy Napish, Teressa Parenteau, Andrea Harrison, Eagle Lake First Nation, Wabigoon Lake First Nation, the nurses at DRHC, Dr. Moir, Storm Wamsley (drum) and drummers, Holly Maggrah, Laurie Fisher, Chelsea Polkinghorne, Vicky Reed for obituary, Laurie Spalding and Ron Williams for the moose meat and duck. Elder Officiant Ralph Johnson.

Visitation will be held at the Wabigoon Metis Cultural Centre on Sunday, October 23, 2022 starting at 11 a.m.

A Traditional Service will follow on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 1 p.m. with Elder Ralph Johnson officiating.

Interment is to follow at the Wabigoon Cemetery.

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