It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Co-Founder and our “True North” compass, Ronald Allen Wrightman, who passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on November 22, 2024, at the age of 85.  Ron was our guiding light, embodying integrity and unwavering principles. His steadfast commitment to doing what was right, even when it was difficult, set the standard for all of us.

Ron was known for his amazing ability to go to sleep at night and dream in 3D – a testament to his boundless creativity. A true entrepreneur and inventor with over 25 Canadian and US patents to his name. Driven by an unrelenting passion for perfection, he was forever seeking ways to improve, and constantly questioned “How can we make this better?” 

Up until 1979, log homes were built with dovetail corners and chinking between the horizontal seams, or as narrow logs with a tongue and groove system and chinked corners. The milled timber we have today didn’t exist in the market. Ron saw the way these homes were built and knew there was a way to make it better.  

“My grandfather was truly a pioneer. When he created our log technology, it was unlike anything ever done before. He began by understanding the characteristics of how a traditional log home evolved over time—where the wood shrunk, where the joints opened and leaked air. More importantly, he wanted to understand why these changes occurred. This is where the True North philosophy was born: how do we develop technology that uses mother nature’s law—that wood loses moisture over time—to our advantage, instead of trying to fight it as the rest of the industry attempts. This is a testament to my grandfather’s innovative mind, which never stopped in the pursuit of providing the most maintenance-free log home in the world.” stated Co-Owner, Kyle R. Wrightman.  

Ron was the first person to combine tongue-and-groove with dovetail corners in a mass timber system. With this groundbreaking invention, Ron completely revolutionized the log home industry putting Ontario on the world stage for the manufacturing and construction of a heavy log wall.  

In 1986, Ron and his son Rob co-founded True North Log Homes. They continued to operate it together developing and patenting new log home technology until Ron retired in 1996. True North has since grown from a small family business to a reputable international company, with a dedicated team sharing a passion for quality and pursuit of excellence. 

Rob’s sons, Kyle and Mark Wrightman joined the company in 2010 and 2012 respectively, and successfully acquired the business when Rob retired in 2020.  

The spirit of innovation continues to this day as we build upon our technology, expand our product offerings, and continue to perfect the log and timber home for all our clients. 

Ron was the first of 3 generations of True North Log & Timber Homes.  “He was one of the most determined and hardest-working people I know. He built a significant part of the foundation that the entire company stands on today, and our team will continually strive to make him proud. Having a 3rd generation business is humbling, and a true testament to my grandfather and father’s combined 75+ years of dedication to the industry.” shared Co-Owner, Mark J. Wrightman.  

He was a mentor and friend to all of us, and we are honoured to have known him. Ron’s vision lives on as our “True North,” as we continue the legacy he started all those years ago. 

Funeral service will be held on November 30th, 2024, at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge, Ontario.  

In lieu of flowers, the Wrightman family has asked for any donations to be directed on behalf of Ron to Andy’s House (Hospice Muskoka), 16 West Street Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0.