John Edward Hakala, aged 67 years, of Thunder Bay, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on February 21, 2023. A lifetime resident of Thunder Bay, John attended Prospect Avenue School, Hillcrest High School and graduated from Lakehead University with a double degree in Geography and History. John went on to attain his teaching degree and taught for a short time. John later worked as a groundskeeper at Lakehead University for many years but retired due to ill health.
John loved sports, college football being his favourite, and played football while in high school. John enjoyed travelling, movies, music and spending time with family. As a child, John enjoyed spending time at the family camp at Hawkeye Lake. John was well known in his neighbourhood and loved frequenting local restaurants and coffee shops, where he was always welcomed by name. John had a wonderful sense of humour and had a gentle soul.
John is survived by his brother, Doug Hakala (Lissa); sister, Barbara Garofalo (James); nephew Nicholas Hakala and nieces Grace Hakala, Elizabeth Garofalo and Sarah Garofalo; aunt Maureen Dickey, and numerous cousins and their families. John was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Kay Hakala (McKenna), and his grandparents, John and Irene Hakala, and Edward and Elizabeth McKenna.
Funeral services for John Edward Hakala will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
