The family of Anthony Christopher Bombay sadly announces his peaceful but unexpected passing on May 11, 2026, at the age of 61 in his home on Manitou Rapids Indian Reserve.
Anthony (Tony) was born in Dryden, Ontario on November 10, 1964 to Sam Bombay and Vivian Bundgaard.
Left to cherish his memory is his mother Vivian; his sister Angela (Ricky); his four children Andrea, Kristina (Andrew), Aaron and Ashley; and his nephew Brett and niece Samantha. Also left to mourn Tony are his absolute blessings, his grandchildren Daeton, Keisha, Kendal, Hailey, Emery, Oakley, Ashden, Alex, Dexter and Maddox; his great-grandchildren Leia, Desmond and Weston.
We would also like to acknowledge Tony’s ex-partner, his children’s mother, Verna. No matter the circumstances, she has been there to invite him to all the family milestones, send him a plate of food to make sure he wasn’t hungry, even more recently, allowing Tony to stay in her home while he was transitioning homes. She has kept the family together.
Tony was predeceased by his beloved son Desmond Lee; his father Sam; step-father Paul and his furry partner Ralph.
Tony attended Emo public school and went on to Fort Frances High School where he made many, many long time friends. There might be a story about Tony jumping out of a third floor window at the high school. He attended school in Thunder Bay for carpentry along with his cousin Karen and his best friend Mike. After years of carpentry took it’s toll on him, he went to school at CDI for computer studies which he picked up immediately and was a very quick study. There may be a story about him hacking in to the Hydro system.
Tony worked many years for Manitou doing carpentry and building many homes and buildings. He also was a very valued member of the Rainy River First Nations Fire Department which he was extremely proud of. He poured his heart and soul into this volunteer service as he loved his community and its members. Tony received the Governor General of Canada Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in June 2005.
Tony loved NASCAR and everything that went along with it. He was able to attend the Daytona 500 with friends and also made it to the service that celebrated Dale Earnhardt. He even made it on TV.
He collected sports cards and Hot Wheels and has left the massive well-preserved collection to his beloved grandchildren.
Tony was an uncle and papa to many of the kids on Manitou. He taught the kids how to play marbles, keeping the game alive. He would collect used bikes and make them like new again for the kids who didn’t have one.
He was an amazing, loving and charismatic human being with the biggest heart. He was kind to everyone and could talk to anyone about anything with the biggest laugh and biggest smile.
A wake was held on Saturday, May 16, at 4:00 p.m. at the Manitou Gymnasium. The service was held on Sunday, May 17, at the gym beginning at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon followed.
Interment will be held at a later date.
Active Pallbearers will be Art Hunter, Jamie Leonard, Ricky Reid, Aaron Bombay, Ashden Bombay Morrrison and Tyler Hunter. Honourary Pallbearers will be Gerry Hunter, Lynn Oster, Kristi Medicine, Sandra Ross, Greg Bombay, Murray Bombay, Darcy Jones, Sydney Jones, Audrey Horton, Mark Gardiner, Karen Bombay, Dean Wilson, Marcel Horton.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
