With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dale “Roger” Widgren on October 12, 2026, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, just eight days shy of his 71st birthday.
Roger was born on October 20, 1955, in Fort Frances, Ontario, the fifth of six children born to Telford and Evelyn Widgren.
Roger held various jobs throughout his working career, he was a natural when it came to operating heavy machinery and had an incredible mechanical ability. Roger could always figure it out and was a true jack-of-all trades having the ability to operate, diagnose and rebuild anything with an engine and tracks. When not fishing or trapping, spending time with family and friends is what he loved most. With his Winnebago all packed up, he attended many Moondance Jam Festivals in Walker, Minn., where he helped with “security.” There was never a dull moment wherever Roger went.
Roger spent his entire life in Nestor Falls, a place he proudly called home. He had a deep love for the outdoors and found his greatest happiness in the beauty and peaceful surroundings of Cameron Lake. From the time he was a young boy, Roger developed a passion for trapping, learning the skills of skinning and stretching furs from his father. What began as a childhood experience became a lifelong way of life. Whether trapping beaver, muskrat and marten or fishing for trout, Roger was happiest surrounded by the wilderness he knew so well. To many, he was known simply as “the trapper on Cameron Lake.” Roger welcomed everyone who passed by his cabin during the winter months. There was always a hot cup of coffee, a cold one and, more often than not, a good story waiting to be shared.
He had a particular fondness for double-track snowmobiles and unusually high windshields,
little trademarks that those who knew him will surely remember with a smile. When he wasn’t out checking his trapline, Roger could often be found settled into his favourite chair watching curling matches.
Roger was a fiercely independent man with a wonderful sense of humour, a quick wit and always a story to tell. Blessed with an incredible memory, he had a remarkable way of remembering people, places and events, and never forgot a birthday.
His knowledge of the lakes and surrounding wilderness was second to none. Friends and travellers alike relied on Roger for updates on snow and ice conditions, weather forecasts and his willingness to lend a helping hand. He was especially appreciated for assisting with freight hauling for friends throughout the Crow Lake and Rowan Lake area. Roger always seemed to know who was coming and going on the lakes, and very little escaped his attention.
Roger lived life on his own terms, finding happiness in the simple things—a quiet day on the lake, a successful day on the trapline, a good fishing story and the company of friends and family. He was a good man, a loyal friend and a familiar, welcoming presence in the wilderness
he called home.
Roger was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Telford Widgren; his sister Judy Cottam; great-nephew Tyler Cottam; brother Wayne Widgren; brother-in-law Paul Bodnar; and sister Cheryl’s partner Anthony Vanderaa.
Roger is lovingly remembered and survived by his sisters Karla Widgren of Toronto, Ontario; Elaine Bercher (Tom) of Brainerd, Minnesota; and Cheryl Bodnar of Emo, Ontario; brother-in-law, Stan Cottam; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Roger, you will be missed by more people than you could ever have imagined. Your stories, your laughter and your kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew you. You will never be forgotten.
In Roger’s memory you may make a donation to the Nestor Falls Curling Club at PO Box 427, Nestor Falls, Ont., P0X 1K0
A private Celebration of Life will be held.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
