The Key River Area Association (KRAA) - an association of seasonal and permanent residents in the northeastern corner of Georgian Bay and the Key River.
The family of Matti Veikko Pasivirta are saddened to announce his passing in the wee hours of Tuesday October 13, 2026.
Matti was born in Viipuri Finland on January 27, 1932, to Einar and Ellen Pasivirta (predeceased)
Matti came to Canada on May 5, 1956, at the age of 24. Almost immediately he got a job at INCO. He worked there for 34 years as a millwright scale mechanic.
Matti was an active member of the Finnish Pentecostal Church serving in many leadership roles: band, choir, elder, treasurer (38 year) and later chairman. He loved his Finnish heritage and community. If life wasn't already busy, he loved to be a part of the different committees at Finlandia Home, as well being the treasure for the Finnish Veterans.
When Matti first came to Canada one of the first bands that he played in was called the Sudbury Band. Matti loved music and felt it a privilege to play the French Horn in the Sudbury Symphony, he sang with Dr. Robert Hall's university choir for those big performances, a favourite being Handel's Messiah.
Friday night hockey games back in the day, Matti skated hard and fast with the older teens when church groups played against each other. Those were great times.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Marlene of 69 years, daughter Beverly (Mark), son Robert (Nadia). Grandchildren: Stefan, Nathan (Chantal), Emily (Matt), Noah ( Emma-Liisa). Great grandchildren: Isaac, Aaron, Julie, Silas, Robbie. Matti has a younger brother Peter (Sharon) who lives in Vancouver. He was predeceased by his older brother Joukko.
Also left to remember Matti are cousins, nieces and nephews in Finland and out west, also Matti's special cousin Lea, who lives in New York.
Matti's church and church family was very close to his heart.
We the family would like to extend warmest thanks to some who have been involved with his care. Dr. Theresa Mirka, you became like family to us, thank you! Matti only had 4 sleeps at Finlandia Home, but we are so very thankful to everyone for the compassion and care that he received there!!
Friends are invited to the Finnish Pentecostal Church (1843 Paris Street) beginning at 1:00 pm Friday October 16, 2026, service beginning at 2:00 pm There will be coffee and a light lunch served afterwards.
Donations to the Finnish Pentecostal Church or the Finlandia Home would be appreciated.
Emily Janet Pillgrem peacefully passed away at Lakeland Long Term Care on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at age 94.
Beloved wife of the late Bill Pillgrem. Loving mom of Peter, Jennie and the late Danny. Fondly remembered by other family and friends.
Emily was the only child of Pete and Emily (Pritchett) Murray and grew up at Key Harbour, Georgian Bay. She fondly remembered Key Harbour and the friends she made there to the end. Her family and her friends were always the most important part of her life.
Emily’s family sincerely thanks the community healthcare teams and the team at Lakeland Long Term Care for the care and kindness they provided.
Cremation has taken place.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre would be appreciated.
West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation
UPDATED August 7: NO LONGER in effect
Effective August 4, 2026, the Municipality of Killarney has declared a Fire Ban.
This includes all open fires and burning - including incinerators, cooking, and warmth, due to dry conditions. All burn permits are cancelled until further notice. No fireworks are permitted.
A previous fire ban ran from July 7-14 2026.
In October 2025, the KRAA took advantage of atypically clear water and the water level dropping closer to the historical average, and hired Steve Bray, his barge and rented a mini-excavator to remove a number of buoy anchors which had become obstacles in the river. Chris Silverthorne, Carl Speiss, and Cary Kokkinen provided their volunteer time as well.
These anchors were originally placed as part of a scheme to create a more permanent solution for the buoys, which can easily drift. Unfortunately, without the services of Paul Ruston and Edwin Aalto's barge or tug, they became difficult or impossible to service - particularly in the recent record-high water levels.
Please remember that the Key River is an important spawning ground for the fish that many of us enjoy catching (and sometimes eating); avoid disturbing the river bottom at all times, but especially during peak spawning in spring.
KRAA Buoy Management Report for MembershipDownload
The Ministry of Transportation has commissioned an addendum to the 2008 Environmental Assessment study regarding the plan to upgrade Highway 69 to a full 4 lane controlled access highway. The Addendum will address design updates to Highway 69, including an interchange modification, adjustments for wildlife crossings, and key changes in legislation and design standards since the 2008 Environmental Assessment.
You can read the details here:
OGN_Hwy69PDEA_NOSC_28Nov2025Download
Craig was a summer resident of Cleveland Bay on the Key River from 2003-2019.
Reproduced from https://baygardens.permavita.com/site/CraigWagner.html
April 16, 1956 - October 4, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Craig Wagner on October 4th 2025, who left us peacefully, surrounded by love and family.Craig was a devoted father, papa, son, brother, and friend. Predeceased by his parents Clayton (Martha) and May Wagner, and his brother Gary “Buck” Wagner, he is survived by his brother Doug (Janet) and sister Laurie (Paul). He is lovingly remembered by his best friend Carol Diefenbacher. His spirit will live on through his children Aimee (Jason), Brandon (Colleen), and Kaylee (the late Brian); his cherished grandchildren Aubrey, Carson, Leo, Hayden, Camden, Grayson, Bryce, and Freya; and his niece Candice and nephew Mason.His incredible, unwavering sense of humour and easy going spirit touched everyone who knew him. His greatest joy was time spent with friends and family - whether sharing stories around the table, enjoying time out on the open water or enjoying a meal out followed by a scenic drive.A true fisherman at heart, Craig cherished his days on the Key River and Georgian Bay, where the water and fresh air brought him peace. His love of good music and great company was woven into the rhythm of his days, bringing together friends from all walks of life. He was an accomplished and respected businessman, known for his drive, integrity, and the genuine way he connected with others.Craig’s legacy of love, laughter, and appreciation for life will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Joseph Brant Hospital, as well as the entire team at the dialysis unit at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.A celebration of life will be held on November 8th starting at 3pm at the Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to grab someone you love and enjoy the outdoors, break bread and raise a glass, listen to your favourite song, or cast a line in Craig’s honour.Forever in our hearts, and always by the water.“I have fought the good fight.I have finished the race.I have kept the faith.”
Len's deep love for the Key River area began in 1957 on a memorable canoe trip from his family cottage in Pointe au Baril to Temagami, a journey that passed through the French River, Lake Nipissing, and many of the waters in between. That adventure sparked a lifelong connection to the region. After years of exploring the area by canoe and camping with his family, Len eventually purchased an island and, alongside his wife Erica, built a beloved cabin that became a gathering place for friends and family.
Len was a dedicated supporter of the Key River Association and is fondly remembered for his warm spirit, ready smile, and the occasional well-timed practical joke. He and Erica shared a deep appreciation for nature that was both genuine and infectious. Visitors to their island were often welcomed with an invitation to walk the trails they lovingly created, and the couple were early advocates for the protection of local wildlife, especially the endangered eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
Those who knew Len will remember his kindness, his enthusiasm for the natural world, and the lasting impact he made on the Key River community.
Reproduced from https://www.mdbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/lennart-loevenmark
Lennart Loevenmark
March 16, 1936 — April 25, 2025
Lennart Loevenmark of Deep River, formerly of Pembroke, dearly loved husband of 57 years to the late Erica Loevenmark (nee Lass). Dear father of Philip Loevenmark (Lindsay), Cape Breton; and Kristina Loevenmark, Deep River. Proud papa to Nathan & Benjamin Loevenmark and Anika Loevenmark. Son of the late Gunnar and the late Olive Loevenmark (nee Eaton). Brother of Nils Lovenmark and the late Erik Loevenmark (Eva). Survived by many nieces and nephews.
Len’s family would like to thank his Home Care team for their professional and compassionate support. We are especially grateful to Len’s Care Coordinator, Taylor and nurse Rebekka for their generosity and good humour. Len’s family extends their appreciation to friends and neighbours for many delicious meals delivered with love.
A Private Celebration of Life will take place during summer. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Len, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Georgian Bay Association would be appreciated.
Mike Waddington shared this presentation regarding his research with us.
GBB 2024 PAR33 PRINTaDownload
Paul Ruston was for many years the only permanent resident in the Key River Area. His many years of service and contributions to the interests of the KRAA will be greatly missed.
Reproduced from https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/leclair/obituaries/paul-william-ruston/128854.html
Paul William Ruston
February 23, 1946-August 27, 2024
Paul passed away peacefully with his family and friends by his side. Loving father of Jennifer Ruston (Rob) and Joanne Ruston, and special friend to Daniele Fleming. Grandfather of Meghan (predeceased), Ryan, Adya, and Kintan. Great Grandfather of Giselle and Axel.
Predeceased by his parents William and Marjorie Ruston (nee Crawford). Survived by his siblings Jack Ruston and Kathy Herron. Preddeceased by his brother Peter Ruston.
Paul spent his best years living in Key Harbour where he had a trap line and worked construction. He was a pillar of the community with knowledge of Georgian Bay and Key Harbour that he has passed on to many.
Paul will be missed by many good friends that he made over the years.
Special thank you to Dr Brian Gaffney, Dr Heidi Deboer, and Dr Joshua Manalakos.
Jennifer would like to welcome everyone to celebrate and remember Paul on September 21, 2024 at the Midland Legion from 1-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Paul's memory.