It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Unto on Christmas morning at St. Joseph’s Villa at the age of 94.
Loving son of the late Antti and Hilma (Simpanen) Virolainen and dear spouse of the late Ellen Heinonen. Cherished stepfather to Heini Heinonen-Kari (Roy, predeceased) and the late Kyösti Heinonen (Denise). Beloved brother of Kerttu Laakso (Risto) and Aila Salamo(Antti), all predeceased in Finland and Sweden. Beloved uncle to Ismo Laakso (Tuija) and great uncle to Jutta (Juha Pero) and Eeva Laakso (Henri Nippala) and dear cousin of Eeva Sutinen (Veikko) all in Finland. His beloved extended family included Sampo Pero of Finland and Travis Heinonen, Tennille Heinonen, Mike Larosa and Reese Larosa and Shannon Kari, Siobhan Kari (predeceased) and Mark and Thomas Manzer all in Canada. Unto will be missed by many friends and especially by longtime friends Hilkka and Erkki Palonen and his fishing buddies Aulis Pasanen and Gates Lafond.
The family wishes to thank the kind and hardworking doctors, nurses, PSWs and staff who cared for Unto during his stays at Health Sciences North and at St. Joseph’s Villa. As per Unto’s wishes, there will be no service. Arrangements entrusted to Lougheed’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Pet Save, The Alzheimer’s Society or St. Joseph’s Villa would be appreciated.
Unto was born in Suojärvi, Finland and moved over 25 times as his father worked for the railroads. He had an adventurous spirit to say the least. He initially came to Canada in 1952 with a friend. Later he sailed back to Canada alone landing in Halifax in December 1956. He gradually made his way to Toronto where he worked mainly in the roofing trade. Not fearing heights, he competed in many ski jumping events in Southern Ontario and he has the trophies to prove it. He enjoyed horse racing all his life, especially at Woodbine with his friends, one of whom owned a race horse. Another passion was fishing both in Finland and N. Ontario. His favourite lake was Penage where he knew all the best spots for bass and lake trout.
Ever the athlete, UNTO WALKED A LOT, right up until August of this year. We credit this for keeping him in such fine shape all his life. He will be remembered for his many hats, his sense of humour and his ready smile as well as his very polite, kind and generous spirit and for his love of all animals. His beloved canine companion, the late “Miss Emma” was his favourite fishing buddy and she would whine if she was left behind. A black bear occasionally looked in the camp window to see why his fish monger had not brought any fish up the mountain lately. One lucky red fox and the annual crop of raccoons got their fair share of snacks from the “day old shop.” The squirrels and chipmunks used to get peanuts via slingshot from Unto’s balcony at camp and at home. Mimmi, his feline granddaughter, will miss his enthusiastic back rubs, warm lap and illegal tidbits.
Unto always had a story, be it about his childhood misadventures, his post-World War II service in the Finnish army or his travels – both in Finland and throughout North America. He had a story for everyone. His friends and family will miss him dearly. ‘Thanks a million’ Unto! You are ‘okay’ now. Rest easy.
This Finnish poem by an unknown author was always on Unto’s table. It aligns perfectly with the departure of a fisherman: Unton muistolle nyt kun: “On päivä päättynyt ja tullut ilta. Hänet pursi noutanut on maan laiturilta. Elon myrskyt tyyntyneet – on ikuisuus – ja rauhan satamassa vain ihana hiljaisuus.”
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.
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Saturday December 25th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Unto Virolainen Saturday December 25th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Sudbury, Province: Ontario