Asko Timo Vuotari

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Asko Timo Vuotari announce his passing after a short & courageous battle with cancer at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his wife of 44 years by his side. 

He was predeceased by his parents Juho and Elli Vuotari and father in-law Pentti Rintala.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Elsie, sons Allan (Kelly) of Sioux Lookout, Mark (Christine) of Ottawa, like a son BJ (Mandy) and their children, mother in-law Dolores Rintala, sister in-law Karen Johnston (Lyle) and her children, and cousins here and in Finland.

Asko was born in Parkano Finland in 1946 and immigrated to Canada in 1952 with his parents settling in Port Arthur. After attending Cambrian College in Sault Ste Marie, he worked at Steep Rock Iron Mines, in construction at Matabi Mines & Terrace Bay, then in electrical maintenance at Pool Six Elevators, and finally at Great Lakes Paper for 30 years before retiring as an electrical technician.
 He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for over 30 years where he served on various committees on church council.

Asko was a warm and generous man who loved his boys, family and friends. He loved to tease and argue, making everyone around him laugh at his nonsense. He loved the outdoors, especially all the years spent at his beloved Hawkeye Lake, fishing and hunting. He led the 8th Port Arthur Scouts for 5 years and was a member of Search and Rescue.

Asko was always doing home renovations or fixing something. If he wasn't at home working he was out helping friends. His electrical expertise, and the carpentry knowledge he gleaned from his father were always an asset in renovating or fixing.

He loved new technology and embraced the computer era. He enjoyed photography, cooking, barbecuing, and baking. Everyone loved his salt fish, pulla and Finnish pancakes. 

A celebration of Asko's life will be held in the chapel of Harbourview Funeral Center on Tuesday, February 27th at 11:00 a.m. presided by Reverend Mathew Diegel. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Asko may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Northern Cancer Fund, Northern Cardiac Fund or the charity of your choice.