William “Bill” Salonen
August 4, 1935 – October 18, 2025
William “Bill” Salonen was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, to Arvo and Katie Salonen, and grew up alongside his siblings Gary and Susan. Raised with strong Finnish roots, Bill learned early the values of resilience, hard work, and community.
In 1956, a train brought him to Dryden to teach for what was meant to be just one year but remained nearly seventy years. His impact on the community remains immeasurable. He began his teaching at Riverview School and later became the first principal of Pinewood School before serving in the same role at Riverview and Albert Street Schools.
Bill married Donna McIver in 1958, and together they had two children, Richard and Deb. Later he met Linda Boyd, who would become his lifelong partner and wife on December 29, 1984. True to his love of hockey, the wedding was delayed a day so Bill wouldn’t miss a hockey tournament he was playing in.
A gifted athlete and lifelong sportsman, Bill played and coached countless teams across hockey, baseball, curling, basketball, and more. His passion for hockey was unmatched, and his legacy lives on through the SIJHL’s Bill Salonen Cup. In 2014, he was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder for his decades of contribution to sport and community. Bill also served on Dryden City Council for 14 years and was Mayor from 1992 to 1997. He was a dedicated community leader who believed deeply in giving back and helping others. Through his leadership and collaboration with other passionate community members, Bill played a key role in bringing Patricia Gardens to Dryden—helping to create a space that continues to serve and support local residents.
Beyond his public service, Bill was a skilled handyman who could build or fix nearly anything. Growing up with little, he taught himself to be self-sufficient, a lesson he proudly passed on to his granddaughters. He also believed that women could do anything men could, so he was a strong advocate for women in both the workplace and in sports.
Together, Bill and Linda spent their summers at their camp on Ghost Lake and took time to travel extensively! These adventures included a boat cruise to Alaska, a river cruise in Europe, and 30+ flights to their favourite spot, Maui.
Bill was a proud husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend. He was everyone’s biggest supporter, always present at games, concerts, and life’s milestones. Tough on the outside but tender-hearted, he never made it through a Budweiser commercial with puppies and horses without tearing up.
Even in his later years, Bill never slowed down—often found pedalling his little Cubi elliptical at 3 a.m. He lived a full, joyful, and impactful life defined by love, laughter, sport, and service.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, Arvo and Katie Salonen, and his younger siblings, Gary and Susan Salonen.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Salonen; his children, Richard and Deb Salonen, Dennis (Nicole) and Caley Boyd (Dave Lechkun);sister-in-law, Josie Salonen; his nieces and nephews, Lisa (Bobby) and David (Marie) Salonen and Linda (Gary) Schmidt; his grandchildren, Cassandra (Caleb) Wassell, Alex Jolicoeur, Dane Lechkun, Brooklyn and Falon Mackenzie; and soon-to-be great-grandchild, Lillian Wassell.
Bill made an incredible impact on everyone he met — not only within his community, but wherever his travels took him. His kindness, humour, and passion for life left lasting impressions on so many lives, and we would love to hear your stories and memories if you have a story to tell.
So as Bill would say, “See you in the playoffs!”
A private Celebration of Life is being arranged.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora and Rainy River District, 618-9th St. North, Kenora, ON, P9N 2S9, or through Aurora Funeral Services.
Condolences and memories may be posted at https://aurorafuneralservices.ca/obituaries/william-bill-salonen
Care has been entrusted to Aurora Funeral Services, 304 Kennedy Road, Dryden, ON P8N 3G2
