October 28, 1939 – July 20, 2026

It is with profound sadness that the family of Gordon “Bud” Dyrland announces his passing on July 20, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on October 28, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Dyrland and Olive Dent (né Hall), Bud was a builder, a fixer, and a troubleshooter who took immense pride in his work. He was determined, persistent, and rarely abandoned a challenge. Bud appreciated the satisfaction of a careful task and the reward of seeing something restored to working order. For most of his life, he was rarely still. Always puttering around. Always occupied with a project.

Bud married the love of his life, Dorleen Mattson, on June 18, 1962. They raised three children together. Their sixty-four beautiful years of marriage were defined by unwavering devotion, shared purpose, and a home that was always shaped by Bud’s hands.

Bud worked with the Ministry of the Environment until 1997 as a stationary engineer. In 1971, he started Bud’s Electric Motors. What began as a small operation in the basement of his family home graduated into a small shop in his backyard. Across the Rainy River District, Bud welcomed neighbours through his shop door. He fixed everything from commercial motors to toasters, mix masters, lamps, and extension cords. He helped cottage owners whose pumps failed or whose water lines stopped working.

He eventually sold Bud’s Electric Motors to Mark Caron and remained in the shop for several years, continuing to serve the customers who trusted both his knowledge and workmanship.

Away from his workbench, Bud found joy in hunting and fishing—particularly with his late, longtime friend Syd Wall. Bud was happiest in the woods, on the water, and at the family cabin on Black Sturgeon Bay, which he built with family and friends in 1971. Today the cabin remains a place where his family continues to share meals, stories, and time together beneath the roof he helped raise. At home, he enjoyed gardening and took special care tending to the rose garden he planted for Dorleen.

Bud will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Dorleen; his sons, Mark (Mary Jane) and Paul (Mary); his daughter, Lisa (Patrick); and his cherished grandchildren, Lindsay, Kyle, and Alexander. He is also survived by his sister, Ethel Morris; his brothers, Tom Dyrland (Evelyn), Prentice Dent, Brian Dent (Carol), and Bradley Dent; the extended family of the Mattsons, Beyaks, and Andersons; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Bud was predeceased by his parents, Louis Dyrland and Olive Dent (Hall); his parents-in-law, John and Pearl Mattson; and his brothers-in-law, Jack Mattson and George Morris.

Bud’s legacy is found in the places and the people he leaves behind. Most enduring is the example he set: take pride in your work, look after the people you love, and leave things better than you found them.

Bud’s funeral will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. Emo, Ontario.