Aurora Funeral Services Inc.

09/02/2026

Wallace James (Jim) Osborne
June 9, 1944 – August 27, 2026

Born June 9, 1944 to Lois and Wallace Osborne, Jim grew up in Kenora and had 2 younger sisters, Dawn Marie and Susan.

Jim worked as a surveyor for the DHO (Department of Highways) on Hwy 105, staying in camps on Cedar Lake. He then moved to Vermilion Bay where him and the crew stayed at the Bayview Hotel. During this time, he met Marilyn Marion who worked at the Bar’s Restaurant where they had coffee daily. Before long, he had picked up the waitress, and they eventually got married on Oct 19, 1968.

He joined the O.P.P. that same year, was posted to Longlac; transferred to Manitouwadge in 1975, then to Dryden in 1980 until retirement at the end of 1998. While with the O.P.P. he was a member of the Search and Resue and Marine crews.

Jim joined the Barclay Fire Department and committed 32 years, then worked with a friend Larry Lyle for a few years. He moved on to driving a fuel truck for the M.N.R. and finally doing some contract work again for the O.P.P. until 2024.

Along the way he always found great people to hunt and fish with, and to this day we have the Westover family, and the Rustan family that we’ve often said, our lives would have been so different without them. There are many life-long friends that we are very fortunate to have met.

He leaves to miss him, his wife of 58 years Marilyn, his daughters Wendy (Grant) Allen, and Penny (Mike) Mondry. grandchildren Aidan, Abby, Rosie and Violet Wilson who he was immensely proud of, and his sister Dawn Marie and nephews, Jeremy, Jason and Jordan Ostapyk.

Jim had an interesting, fulfilling life. He loved to fish, hunt, go camping with the grandchildren, 50’s and 60’s music and enjoyed sitting having a beer with friends.

He was a great man, and we were all lucky to have had him in our lives.

If anyone would like to share photos with the family, you can text them to Penny Osborne 1-204-915-6092.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11am at the Royal Canadian Legion Dryden Branch 63 with Mardi Plomp officiating. Interment will follow in the Dryden Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dryden Go-Getters, 84 St Charles St., Dryden, ON, P8N 1L3 or the O.P.P. Youth Foundation, 777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia, ON L3V 7V3 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/wallace-osborne

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2

08/31/2026

Ben Bohdan Zajarny
March 21, 1956 – August 22, 2026

Ben Bohdan Zajarny passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre, surrounded by loving family and friends, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Born in Thunder Bay to Lucy (née Bozic) and Nicholas Zajarny, Ben grew up in Dryden and graduated from Dryden High School. From an early age, he loved camping, hunting, fishing and exploring the outdoors—interests that stayed with him throughout his life.

Ben graduated from Confederation College’s Aircraft Maintenance program in 1978. He worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in Winnipeg and later operated his own aircraft maintenance business in Dryden. He eventually returned to the Dryden Paper Mill, where he worked for more than 30 years before retiring in 2017.

In 1990, Ben purchased his dream home on the lake, where he spent the rest of his life creating a beautiful and welcoming home. One of his greatest joys was the birth of his daughter, Nichole (“Nik”), on October 5, 1992. They shared an exceptionally close bond, and Ben was a loving, caring and supportive father.

In January 2013, Ben met Dianne, the love of his life. They married on October 10, 2016. Ben often spoke of how fortunate he felt to have found his other half. He treasured their drives, adventures and quiet time together at their home on the lake.

Ben was happiest outdoors, in his garage or behind the wheel. He loved snowmobiling, motorcycles, four-wheelers and cars—especially his Jeep, T-Bird, MG Midget, Camaro Z28 and Mitsubishi Stealth. A talented mechanic and gifted driver, he could fix almost anything. Few of his vehicles remained factory-original for long; there was always another improvement to make or project waiting in the garage.

Intelligent, hardworking and meticulous, Ben believed in doing things properly. He generously shared his knowledge and advice, helping family and friends even during his final days. He was also deeply compassionate, strong in his convictions and always willing to stand up for what he believed was right.

Ben will be remembered for his infectious laughter, lively personality and wonderful sense of humour. Affectionately known as Benny, Banjo and Benwa, his presence was impossible to miss and will be impossible to replace. He also had a special way with dogs—particularly Nichole’s dog, Floyd—earning him a reputation as the family’s “dog whisperer.”

Above all, Ben loved his family. He was a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend and a generous source of knowledge, kindness and support.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Lucy and Nicholas Zajarny. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dianne; daughter, Nichole; stepson, Peter Bruyere; stepdaughter, Brandy Grennier; niece, Yanna Zajarny; nephew, Kris Zajarny; step-grandchildren, Peter Jr. and Robyn; and his many friends and extended family.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the home-care providers and the Dryden Regional Health Centre team for their exceptional care and dedication. They are also deeply grateful to the many friends and relatives who offered love, support and treasured memories throughout Ben’s illness.

Ben will be deeply missed. Life simply will not be the same without him.

Memorial donations may be made to DRHC Oncology, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6, or Second Chance Pet Network, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1or through Aurora Funeral Services.

As per Ben’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www. https://aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/ben-zajarny

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2.

08/29/2026

A Memorial Service for Dale Champagne will be held Saturday, August 29th 2026 at 11am at the Metis Hall in Wabigoon, Ontario. Interment will be at 12pm at the Dinorwic Cemetery.

08/27/2026

Jean Louise Kellar (née Whiddon)
October 7, 1934 – August 21, 2026

The family of Jean Louise Kellar (née Whiddon), of Dryden, Ontario, is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Mom on August 21, 2026, at 91 years of age. Mom passed away peacefully the day after a wonderful visit with several of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There was simply nothing in the world that Mom enjoyed more than fun and games with family and friends.

Mom will be missed and forever cherished by her daughters, Lucille Heithoff, Cheryl Eady (Rob), Norma Davis (Andy), and Patty Lyle (Jim); grandchildren, Kara Machnicki (Jeff), Laura Deschamps (Bill), Beth Eady, Isabelle Messier, Anastasia Davis, Courtney Compeau (Tim), William Davis (Jennifer), Christin Walkinshaw (Kyle), Pam Patterson (Jamie), Cassie Gosselin (Cal), and James Lyle (Alexandra); and great-grandchildren, Kali, Ava, Landon, Carter, Robert, Roxie, Emrick, Danika, Austin, Zachary, Zara, Maddoc, Jayden, Madalyn, Blake and Aubree.

Mom is lovingly remembered by her brother, James; her sisters-in-law, Helen, Betty (Glen), Dorothy, Yvonne, Karen, Dale; step-sister-in-law Joanne; step-brother-in law Dale. She lives in the memories of numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her husband of sixty six years, Earl; her parents, William and Christina; her step-mother, Lena; brothers, Johnny, Kenny, and Albert; sister Betty; son-in-law, Rick; her parents-in-law, Cecil and Mildred; step-mother-in-law, Lillian; her sisters-in-law, Marsha, Suzanne, Darlene, Irene, Audrey, and Dixie; brothers-in-law, Delbert (Bud), Wayne, Ken, Jim, Harold, Ray, Alan, Darrel; step-brothers-in-law Lanny and Mel; and dearly beloved grandson, Chris.

Mom was born in Devlin on October 7, 1934, at her grandparents’ farm, because a team of horses and a wagon would have been required to access her parents’ home. Tragically, when Mom was only two years old her mother died. Mom, her dad and her siblings lived with their grandparents until they established their own home in Burris, at which point their grandmother moved in to help them. They later moved to Devlin and lived near their Aunt Nora and Uncle Nick Ragoza. During this time, her father corresponded with a wonderful woman, Lena Marshall, who eventually moved back from British Columbia to assist Mom’s grandmother. When Mom was seven, Lena married her dad—a true blessing for the family.

Following the marriage, Bill and Lena moved the family back to Burriss before buying a house north of Devlin, where three sons were born. When Mom was in Grade 8, the family moved to Armstrong. The next year, it was decided that Mom would move to Thunder Bay to attend high school and live with her Great Aunt Jean and Uncle Walter Munro, and Aunt Jean Munro. Education was very important to Mom so although it was a wise move, it was a lonely time for her. She returned to Devlin to live with her Aunt Nora and Uncle Nick for Grades eleven and twelve. In 1952, she found her calling, teaching at “Carpenter #2” for several years and attending teacher's summer school.

Mom’s best friend was dad’s sister, Irene. Aunt Irene introduced the two of them in 1952 and their love story began. Their marriage of sixty-six years began August 28,1953. They moved to Emo, where Mom taught for another year. They then relocated to Devlin and started their family. In 1956, Dad began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and their first child was born. Initially stationed in Kenora, Dad managed a few brief visits shortly after Lucille’s birth. Mom loved to laughingly recall one visit where Dad picked her up for about five minutes, and they spent the rest of his visit trying to get the lint off his uniform!

Dad was transferred to Red Lake later that year, where Mom and Lucille, barely six weeks old, joined him shortly after Easter. They lived there for three and a half years, welcoming two more daughters in quick succession. Career transfers then took them across Northwestern Ontario: Cochenour for a year, while Dad worked in Balmertown; Ignace for a year; Sioux Lookout for three years, where their fourth daughter was born; Ear Falls for twelve years and finally Dryden for ten years until their retirement in 1987. They built their dream retirement home on the Chukuni River, where they lived for twenty years before returning to Dryden in their golden years.

Mom was Dad’s "silent partner" throughout his OPP career. Raising a family in localized detachments was not always easy, but Mom kept the home fires burning and always had Dad’s back.

Family was always Mom’s first priority. She was the kind of Mom who read stories, played cards and board games, drove everyone to extracurricular activities, and hosted endless birthday parties and sleepovers. She baked homemade bread, made fresh berry jams, and preserved vegetables, fish, and moose meat for her family. She made the best pickles, sewed clothes, and knit sweaters, socks, and mittens. She passed these capable homemaking skills on to her daughters with love and patience, while remaining fiercely supportive of their academic and professional pursuits.

Mom treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, actively participating in their lives at every opportunity. She crocheted her "signature" tablecloths for her children and grandchildren when they married, and knit beautiful baby clothes for the newborns. There was never a time her family couldn't call to share good news or cry on her shoulder; she was always unconditionally on our side.

Outside the home, Mom was a supply teacher until we were all in school full-time. After that, she worked in retail sales, first at “Sweet’s” in Ear Falls and then at “The Bay” in Dryden, until her retirement in 1987.

Generous and community-minded, Mom actively volunteered with United Church Women(UCW) and the Lioness/Lions Clubs. She was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary and a fantastic cook who regularly helped cater at Legion Events in Ear Falls. Mom also enjoyed curling; she spent many winters playing in a local women’s league and shared the sport with Dad, playing alongside him in a mixed league for many years.

It is hard to imagine life without Mom but we are profoundly grateful that we were able to love her for so long and for all the beautiful memories she has left in our hearts.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Princess Court, where Mom felt truly cared for and was very content.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Dryden Go Getters Activity Centre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Princess Court DECO, Box 953, Dryden, ON P8N 3E3 or the Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, 320 Sherbrook Street Winnipeg MB R3B 2W6 or through Aurora Funeral Services.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www. https://aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/jean-kellar

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2.

08/22/2026

A Celebration of Life will be held today for Wayne Launder at 11 a.m. at St. Luke's Anglican Church with Reverend Edmund Laldin officiating. A private interment will follow.

08/21/2026

A Visitation for Shelby Wilson begins today at 10:00 a.m. at Unifor Hall until time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Mardi Plomp officiating. Interment will follow at the Amesdale Cemetery.

08/20/2026

One year ago today, we opened our doors with a simple promise: to serve our community with compassion, dignity, and unwavering care during life’s most difficult moments.

As we mark our first anniversary, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the families who have trusted us, the local community that welcomed us, and everyone who supported our journey over the past year. Serving you is a honour we never take lightly.

Thank you for welcoming us into your lives. We remain committed to being a steadfast source of comfort and support for years to come.

08/19/2026

Shelby Wilson
September 12, 1996 – August 16, 2026

Quietly in the early hours of Sunday, August 16th, 2026, with her nurse Sierra nearby, Shelby Lynn Wilson moved on to her next journey in the universe.

Shelby was born on Thursday, September 12th, 1996, to Jerry and Sheila (Alberts), the last of four children. She was loved by her siblings Alex, Petra and Cecily.

She was known by all her crazy curls and big, beautiful eyes.
Shelby attended Pinewood School and was in the Fine Arts Program. She had many friends and enjoyed “Friday Night Poker” with three of her best eighth grade friends. They never stopped laughing.

Shelby loved soccer, bowling and dancing. She was in Army Cadets for a few years and standing at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Day was a huge honour for her.

Shelby was a huge fan of Barbie, Marvel superheroes, Harry Potter, and of course Doctor Who.

She was funny, sarcastic and a prolific writer from an early age. Shelby didn’t care for Glosette Raisins or as we in the family knew, Jesus Christ Superstar except for Herod’s Song.

As Shelby got older, she struggled with her mental health, homelessness and addictions. She tried but was never able to step away.

She spent many hours pouring through the Salvation Army Thrift store where she was watched over and loved by Shannon and Evelyn.

Shelby went into the hospital in early March and never came out. She was cared for by the most wonderful nurses, Patient Care Assistants, dietary, custodial staff and doctors.

Toward the end, she met Marianne, palliative care who helped her so much.

Shelby leaves behind so much family and friends who loved her.
A Visitation will begin on Friday, August 21st, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Unifor Hall until time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Mardi Plomp officiating. Interment will follow at the Amesdale Cemetery where Shelby had asked for a natural burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Community Table, Dryden Food Bank or the Salvation Army through Aurora Funeral Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2.

08/18/2026

08/14/2026

Dale May Champagne
May 14th, 1958 – August 1st, 2026

Dale May Champagne (nee Zoccole), 68, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in Winnipeg, MB after a brief illness on August 1st, 2026.

Born at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on May 14th, 1958, Dale grew up in Dinorwic, ON and was predeceased by her father Joseph Zoccole, mother Eva Lands, brothers George Zoccole, Joseph Zoccole and sister Wendy Zoccole.

She is survived by her sister Connie Zoccole, husband William Champagne, sons Warren Champagne (Natalie Jeanson), and Brian Champagne, Trudy Muir (Michael), Denise Cummings, as well as many other grandchildren and relatives.

Dale had an infectious laugh and was a good friend who enjoyed spending time with numerous family and friends. Be it for coffee, family gatherings or just talking on the phone, Dale enjoyed her many conversations and could be counted on to lend a sympathetic ear.

She was an avid bowler and enjoyed bingo and just about any card game you could name.

After raising her two sons and having graduated from being a hockey mom, Dale went back to school in her 40’s, obtaining multiple diplomas and went on to complete several rewarding years in the social work field. Having always been there to assist and help others however she could, it seemed a natural progression for her. This career path likely stemmed from Dale losing her parents at a younger age, which brought about added responsibilities for her and a maternal instinct that never left.

The glue that held her family together, Dale will be greatly missed for her ability to bring people together and for her warm, nurturing nature.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 29th 2026 at 11am at the Metis Hall in Wabigoon, ON.

All are welcomed to join us in celebrating Dale’s life and the impact she left on this world.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/dale-champagne

Arrangements entrusted to Aurora Funeral Service, 304 Kennedy Road, Site 202, Comp 39, RR3, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2