It is with great heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our devoted husband, father and grandfather, Eero Arvi Mannisto, who passed away peacefully at Hogarth Riverview Manor in the transitional care unit on March 14, 2022.
Eero was born in Kauhajoki, Finland on October 2, 1935. After proudly serving in the Finnish Army and working in both Finland and Sweden, Eero immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he worked in the logging and construction industries his entire life. In 1986, Eero showed his entrepreneurial spirit and started his own independent trucking company until his retirement almost 25 years ago.
Eero always showed a passion for everything that he did and enjoyed living life to its fullest whether it was operating his own company, his numerous hobbies and interests and very importantly spending time with his family and friends.
From a very young age, Eero was quite the athlete excelling at various sports and especially cross-country ski racing which he enjoyed even as a veteran competitive skier, winning many local championships and travelling to various ski races.
Eero enjoyed spending time with nature, especially hunting and fishing, with his close friends and his sons, Henry and Michael.
Eero continued his passion for staying active and the outdoors his entire life. Even past his 86th birthday, he was blessed to be able to start each day by going for a long walk to enjoy the great outdoors.
Eero very much enjoyed spending time with and travelling with his best friend and wife Tuulikki, who he was married to for 60 years. They enjoyed vacationing in Florida for many decades where they treasured spending time with old friends and making new friends from various parts of the world.
During the summers, Eero and Tuulikki would spend their time enjoying the best of what nature had to offer at their camp at Island Lake, and always treasured visits from friends and family.
Eero also looked for every opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, Jayden and Kayla. Even though they were born and lived in Grand Cayman, he was able to develop a special bond with them through frequent visits spending quality time together and through FaceTime. He treasured every minute he was able to spend with them, creating many lifelong memories, by having fun together and sharing lots of great stories and laughs.
Eero will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Tuulikki, his sons Henry and Michael (wife Wendy), grandchildren Jayden and Kayla, and sister-in-law Maija Mannisto. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives in Thunder Bay, Finland and New Zealand. He was predeceased by his sister, Sisko, and brothers Arvo and Veikko, and his parents.
The family would like to sincerely thank the amazing staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor who took great care of him during his short time there.
Cremation as already taken place and there will be a private family funeral service and celebration of life with his close family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Eero to the Hilldale Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Eero Arvi Mannisto Monday March 14th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario