Douglas Raymond Kent Lundstrom
July 4, 1939 – April 14, 2024
Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Douglas Lundstrom, on April 14, 2024 at the age of 84.
Dad was born on July 4, 1939 on the family farm in Dobie Township, by Emo, Ontario. During his childhood, the family moved around a lot, living in Emo, Keewatin, Camp Robinson, and Oxdrift before choosing Dryden as their forever home.
In 1961, a beautiful young nursing assistant moved to town. Dad caught a glimpse of her and it was love at first sight. She needed a little convincing, but his persistence paid off and he married Joan Irene McArthur on September 8, 1962. They had a beautiful marriage, raising 4 children, and were completely devoted to each other. They were not without tragedy in their lives, but their devotion to each other never wavered.
Dad worked as a linesman at Ontario Hydro before starting his career at the pulp and paper mill in Dryden. He worked in the Steam Plant and retired in 1998. His coworkers still share stories of what a great man he was a smart, dedicated employee who made coffee so strong you could stand the spoon up in it. He was the goalie on his shift’s broomball team, which often resulted in a broken nose.
Dad had enormous charm and a wicked sense of humour. He also never seemed to be wearing a shirt. Motorcycles and old cars were his passion. He was a hockey and curling fan and loved to watch the Olympics. His children were given the best childhood experiences and lifelong memories. Numerous fishing and camping trips with aunts and uncles and cousins at the family’s secret lake. Dad rarely got his line in the water because he was taking fish off, putting minnows on and untangling lines, and he never complained.
He had an impact on everyone he met. He made everyone feel special. He was a good, decent, kind human being. He loved to tease people, he loved to laugh. He was a devoted husband, protective father and grandfather. His siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews all loved him and looked up to him. He made friends and he kept them for life. Even through constant back pain, he lived his life to the fullest.
Douglas was predeceased by his wife, Joan Lundstrom, sons Gregory Lundstrom and Nathan Lundstrom, parents Clarence and Olive Lundstrom, in-Laws Claude and Irene McArthur, brother Bill Lundstrom, brothers-in-law John Mallery and Dwayne Lanktree, nephew Michael McArthur and great-nephew Dylan Hyatt.
He is survived by his son Kevin Lundstrom, daughter Heather Emisch, son-in-law Jeff Emisch, granddaughters Rebecca Lundstrom-Lyrette (Raven Beardy), Emily Meek, Samantha Meek (Natalia Lang), grandsons Troy and Trent Emisch, great-grandson Talon Beardy, great-granddaughter Blossom Beardy, siblings Beverly Mallery, Claire and Joe Aguiar, Joan and John Turner and Shirley Lundstrom, and sister-in-law Elaine Lanktree and Liz Lundstrom, as well as numerous nephews, nieces and other extended family who were all close to his heart.
Thank you to the caregivers who looked after Dad at the hospital and Princess Court. We saw how much you cared about him. All the friends and family who made sure he knew how much he was loved, you all made a difference in his last days.
A viewing will take place between 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Dryden Community Funeral Home. A Traditional Service will follow at the Emmanuel Baptist Church on Friday, April 19, 2024 starting at 11 a.m. with Jake Letkeman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Douglas’s memory can be made to Princess Court DECO, Box 953, Dryden ON P8N 3E3. Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements Entrusted to the
Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
