Allan Perron

September 28, 1943 – June 21, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the sudden passing of Allan Perron on June 21, 2026 at the age of 82.

Allan was born in Kenora, Ontario on September 28, 1943 to Mona (nee Bystrom) and Joseph Perron. He was an only child but made friends easily through school and sports. He was an accomplished baseball and hockey player during these years.

After high school he took a job as a labourer with the local pulp and paper mill, then known as Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company (Mando). He quickly rose through the ranks within the company and by the time it became Boise Cascade Canada Ltd. he was a trusted union-side man with a “feel” for the paper-making process. “Blackie” (as he was known by his co-workers because of his shock of dark hair and moustache) was often called upon to travel to other mills in Canada and the US to offer his expertise. Although he was offered management positions several times, he always declined, stating his true love was making paper, not “paper work”! He retired after more than 40 years of service.

In 1968, a blind date changed the rest of his life. He met a strong Mennonite woman from Winnipeg who had moved to Kenora “temporarily” to pursue a one year position as a laboratory technologist at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. They were both smitten after their lavish first date at the Kenora dump to watch the bears! Allan and Maria were married in April 1971 and had 2 children, Adena and Andrew.

“Omi and Papa”, with their house on the lake, created a place where the eight growing, loud, and rambunctious grandsons came to make lasting lifelong memories during summers full of fun and sun. There was always plenty of homemade “Omi jam” for the massive volumes of croissants consumed by the hordes! Though Papa Bear would often grumble (as bears do), time at the lake surrounded by the chaos was precious to both Allan and Maria.

Omi and Papa enjoyed travelling with family and were always up for a trip to Disney or a sunny Mexican vacation, even if there was some babysitting involved! When at home, Allan enjoyed watching the Winnipeg Jets. He had season tickets and was a regular fixture at the glass in the “Kroppy Seats” over the last decade.

In his later years, after the passing of Maria in 2024, Allan found solace in his “coffee groups”, and could reliably be found at Tim Hortons at 10am, every day. This group of men provided Allan with friendship and support and for that we are very grateful.

Allan leaves behind his two children, Adena Madison (Brad) of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Andrew (Marley) of Kenora, Ontario. He will be dearly missed by his eight grandsons, Ashton, Noah, Grady and Owen Madison; as well as Jacob, Connor, Sullivan and Jamieson Perron. He is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Maria Perron (nee Rempel). Also left to mourn is his sister-in-law Adina Redekop (Ed), brothers-in-law Hans Rempel (Anita) and Rudy Rempel (Andrea) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins he held dear to his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church in Kenora, Ontario on June 29, 2026 at 1:00pm. A luncheon will follow.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We love you Papa, and we miss you dearly.