It is with great sadness the family of Wayne Telford Widgren, aged 73, announce his passing on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre surrounded by family and loved ones.
Wayne was born April 29, 1949, to Evelyn and Telford Widgren of Nestor Falls. Wayne lived most of his life in Nestor Falls and started his career as a fishing guide for Shady Roost Lodge on Lake of the Woods. His love for fishing led him to owning and operating Lake of the Woods Lodge and Sunset Cove with his late wife Diann (Bonham) Widgren. As a camp operator Wayne was known for his warm hospitality and wonderful sense of humour. He loved to laugh, tell stories and jokes, and had a passion for playing cards with friends whenever he had a chance. Wayne also enjoyed driving truck at various periods throughout his life and worked for Querrel Trucking, S & K Enterprises, and ML Judson Trucking. Wayne was an avid fan of NASCAR and rarely missed a race; his favourite driver was Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Wayne also enjoyed flying and earned his pilot’s license. During the past number of years, Wayne and his son Trevor enjoyed flying to Loonhaunt Lake to fish and spend time at Trevor’s cabin. Wayne was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed participating in skidoo outings with friends and family to his brother Roger’s cabin on Cameron Lake. Most of all, Wayne loved to cook fish and was well known for his fish frys, both during his years as a camp operator and in his personal life. Family was important to Wayne and he often spoke fondly of his partner Dianne, his children, and his extended family. He had a soft spot for animals of all kinds and enjoyed feeding the birds and deer during the winter months.
Wayne is survived by his partner Dianne Strachan of Emo, Ont.; daughter Debra (Kristian) Widgren of Calgary, Alta.; son Trevor Widgren of Nestor Falls, Ont.; grandchildren Nick and Ava Sloan of Calgary; siblings Elaine (Tom) Bercher of Brainerd, Minn., Karla Widgren of Toronto, Ont., Roger Widgren of Nestor Falls, Cheryl (Tony) Bodnar of Emo; brother-in-law Stan (Judy) Cottam of Nestor Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
Wayne was predeceased by his wife Diann (Bonham) Widgren; parents Evelyn and Telford Widgren; sister Judy (Stan) Cottam; brother-in-law Paul (Cheryl) Bodnar; and great-nephew Tyler (Joanne and Harvey) Cottam.As per Wayne’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on November 17, 2022, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Emo Legion Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend, share a story or two, and enjoy a fish fry with friends – one of Wayne’s favourite things to do
If desired, memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to a charity of your choice.
