Albert Henry Kuusela, resident of Thunder Bay and formerly of Murillo passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2015 at Roseview Manor at the age of 82. He was born in Timmins Ontario on September 2, 1932 to Martha and Henry Kuusela. He resided in South Porcupine until he moved to Geraldton, Ontario where he married the love of his life Joyce Allison. Albert and Joyce would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on April 15, 2015.
Albert and Joyce had 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Albert was very proud of his children and grandchildren and took pride in their accomplishments. Albert was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed and cherished his family.
Albert worked as a meat manager for the International Co-op stores in Geraldton and Thunder Bay. What he learned as a butcher came in handy as he was an avid hunter and enjoyed moose and deer hunting season with his two sons Doug and Robert and his stepfather Reino.
Albert is probably best known for the many years he sold cars at Lakehead Motors. As one of the Dodge boys he wore a white cowboy hat which got him the nickname “The Duke”. Albert made many lifelong friends from his time in car sales with the other salesmen and customers alike.
Albert loved to tell stories, often in great detail to ensure the listener got the full context of the story. He enjoyed his time at the family camp at Arrow Lake which he built without the use of power tools. Albert was most happy when he was fishing, hunting or riding his 4 wheeler around the yard. Albert loved his home in Murillo. He lived close to his sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Herb Weeden also residents of Murillo who were a great support to Albert in his later years.
Albert is survived by his wife Joyce, son Douglas Kuusela (Claudia McNabb), daughter Carol DiCasmirro(Frank), daughter Darlene Pavletic (Tony), son Robert Kuusela (Joanne) grandchildren Karen Moore (John), Diana DiCasmirro, Allison Pavletic (Ryan Oster), Robert Pavletic, Caitlin Kuusela, Alexandra Kuusela, Jonathon Kuusela, Nathan McPherson and Jessica Stieh (John).
Albert was predeceased by his parents Martha and Henry Kuusela, stepfather Reino Asmunt and aunt Bertha Kaija.
According to Albert’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Hilldale Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Jari Lahtinen.
Private interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. As expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Albert’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
