A cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully due to old age on January 10, 2025, in his hometown of Kenora, where he was also born on July 4, 1930. Dusty leaves behind a legacy of love and service.
He is predeceased by his wife, Pauline, his son, Wayne, and his daughter-in-law, Cassandra (Jamey).
His memory will be lovingly cherished by his sons, Paul, Brad, and Jamey (Kathy), and Wayne’s wife, Twyla. His grandchildren, Justin (Megan), Steven (Kendra), Lorne, Charlene, Steven, Kristen (Nate), Ryan, Anna (Nathan), and Dara (Ben), along with his great-grandchildren, Randi-Rose, Dawson, and Greyson, will miss his generous spirit. His nephew and godson, David, will also hold dear the affection and memories they shared.
Dusty’s life was a rich tapestry woven with dedication to his family, a storied career, and a passion for community service. Dusty’s early years were spent on the Lake of the Woods and Shoal lakes, where he honed his skills as a fishing guide at Devil’s Gap Lodge. His work ethic and love for the outdoors were evident from the start. In 1946, he embarked on a fulfilling career with CP Rail, where he obtained the nickname “Dusty” from sweeping out the box cars at the old Keewatin Flour Mill. Dusty worked until his retirement in 1988. After retiring he worked at the Husky. His industrious nature led him to various roles, including construction work when laid off from the railway, where he contributed to the building of the Clarion Hotel, the sewage treatment plant, and the TransCanada pipeline—projects that stand as testaments to his hard work and commitment to development in Kenora. Dusty’s service to the community extended beyond his professional life. He served on the board for Handi Transit, including a term as chairman, and played an integral role in acquiring the caboose and the formation of the Lake of the Woods Railroaders Museum. He was an active railroader retiree’s member for many years. His efforts were also instrumental in the installation of the Ukrainian Easter egg plaque at the waterfront, a project close to his heart that he undertook alongside his beloved wife, Pauline. A proud member of the Kenora Legion Branch 12, Dusty dedicated time to maintaining war veterans’ gravesites, ensuring their sacrifices were honored. His spiritual life was rooted in his membership at Notre Dame Church, where he connected with his faith and community. Dusty’s love for music was profound. He played guitar in what he fondly called an orchestra, performing at numerous events and even hosting a radio show with his bandmates. His musical journey was intertwined with his personal life when he met his life’s love, Pauline, at an event where he was scheduled to play. Together, they built a family and a beloved camp at Storm Bay in the sixties, creating a sanctuary for their family and a host of memories. A man of many interests, Dusty was an avid gardener who took pride in his vibrant flowers and bountiful vegetables. He enjoyed fishing and swimming, often braving the waters until October. Blueberry picking with Pauline became a community affair, with many enjoying the fruits of their labor, especially Pauline’s renowned blueberry pies. He loved to pick mushrooms cultivated through his labour of love.
Dusty’s adventurous spirit was also evident in his travels across the country with Pauline, documenting their journey with a collection of photographs. In his later years, Dusty found joy in the company of friends at the New Horizons Senior Centre, where he relished in shared meals and conversations twice a week. His nephew Kevin held a special place in his heart for the kindness and support he provided, driving Dusty wherever he needed to go. He was a selfless individual and loved to volunteer his time selling Nevada tickets at Pinecrest, and hospital lottery tickets.
Dusty was a man of generosity and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the projects he helped build, the music he played, and the love he shared with his family and community. Rest in peace, Mr. Lawrence “Dusty” Harry Rosdobutko; your life was a melody that will resonate forever.
We would like to thank Paramed staff who helped with Dusty’s care. Special thanks to the paramedics who had to lift Dusty off the floor numerous times. The police officers who were so kind at the time of his passing. Tracy for all you did for dad, and Kaythe Livingstone for your support. As well as the Wald family and Meadows family. And thank you to Paul for all you did for Dad.
Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (429 Second St. S.) on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 from 4-8pm, with a prayer service to be held at 7PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at Notre Dame Church (222 1st St. N.) at 11AM. Burial to follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.
