Erkki Mikael Luomanen, age 89 years, passed away peacefully at St Joseph’s Hospice on Sunday October 1, 2017 with friends by his side. Erkki was born on November 5, 1927 in Jalasjärvi, Finland.
He immigrated to Canada in May 1956. He was employed by Great Lakes Paper Co Ltd. and Abitibi Forest Products. In the mid 1970’s he started his own bait shop business. He was known to many as “The Minnow Man” Erkki was an active member in the Finlandia Club Fish and Game Association.
In his retirement years, he enjoyed paddling his canoe at Hazelwood Lake, picking blueberries, making smoked herring and socializing with the boys at the Hoito on Bay Street. Erkki was predeceased by his wife Anna-Liisa.
He is survived by family in Finland and Sweden. Thank you to all those who provided compassionate care for Erkki. A Graveside Service for Erkki will be held on Friday, October 6th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery, 800 Oliver Road, with Pastor Jari Lahtinen officiating. If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund.
