On the evening of May 4, 2025, Douglas Joseph Octave Dufresne, aged 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his wife, Eva Dufresne; his son Mark and wife Stephanie, and their daughters Rachel, Elizabeth, and Alexandra; his daughter-in-law Laurel and her daughters Rheall, Ema, and Leia; and his son Shaun and wife Lori, along with their children Adam and Renee. He is welcomed into heaven by his son, Michael Dufresne.
Doug was born on February 23, 1941, on a farm near Radville, Saskatchewan. He was the oldest of eight children. At 5 years of age, Doug moved with his family to Kenora, Ontario. Here, he started his first business delivering three paper routes, this was the start of many entrepreneurial ventures.
Yet, Doug’s life truly began when he met his soulmate, and the love of his life, Eva. After courting for 5 years, Doug and Eva were married on April 20, 1963. They embarked together on one adventure after the other — doing everything together, the perfect team. First, a honeymoon that would have them cover most states in the USA and Mexico in a Volkswagen Beetle. Then, they built what they thought was to be their forever home on Rabbit Lake. They built it to last, as they believed it would take an entire lifetime to pay it off. They soon started a family, welcoming Mark, Mike and then Shaun. Around this time, Eva started a second love affair with horses. Willing to do anything for his love, they bought a farm north of Kenora and built a new home and an indoor riding arena. The family worked hard, balancing their time between operating Dufresne’s service stations, farming, and showing horses. Life was busy, but Doug ensured they did it all together. He emphasized that education was a top priority and lived by the motto that “we were always better together”.
In 1986, after an early retirement from the Service Station, followed by a 2-year stint at running an Electrical Contractor business, Doug and Eva decided to open a furniture store. That store would lay the foundation for their namesake brand, Dufresne Furniture and Appliances, what has now become The Dufresne Group (TDG). Today, the Dufresne family business is proudly carried on by three generations, with a presence that spans the entire country.
Doug loved people, and people loved Doug. He had a way of walking into a room and making everyone feel special. It was an infectious charisma that couldn’t be taught, never more apparent than when he was talking about his family, friends or a teammate. While we are extremely sad to say goodbye to the best husband, father, and grandfather, we know a part of him lives inside of each of us. He left a great impression, wisdom, kindness and love with each person that he touched.
Doug will also be remembered by his sisters: Janet Haney, Loretta (Dan) Williams, Elaine (Aime) St. Germain, and Kathy (Terry) Duguay; his sisters-in-law, Barb (Neil) Walston and Debbie (Craig) Coughlin; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Beatrice Dufresne; his sisters, Carol Dufresne and Lynda (Ed) Geary; his brother, Wayne Dufresne; his parents-in-law, Jim and Isabelle Shapland; his sister-in-law, Darlene Wallin; and his brothers-in-laws, Wilf Haney and Jim Shapland.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Adam Krahn for his exceptional care; to members of the Home Care Team—Mike Limerick, Susan Lacroix, and Patti MacDonell; and to the dedicated nurses of the Chemotherapy Department.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00a.m. at Notre Dame du Portage Catholic Church with Father Rudy Manaloto officiating. A private family interment will be held while friends gather for a luncheon at Seven Generations Education Institute at 12:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake of the Woods District Hospital, lwdhf.com/donate.