Kai Valiharju, age 60 years, passed away with family by his side on October 27, 2022 in the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
Kai was born on April 18, 1962 in Port Arthur, Ontario. After graduating from Hammarskjold High School, he worked as a Feller Buncher Operator for over 30 years. On the side, he would assist his father with brick laying projects, their best project in 1989 being his dream home. He met his loving wife JoAnn in 1987 at The Crest and went on to have two beautiful children whom he loved dearly. Kai was a proud Finnish man who honoured his Finnish roots and traditions by speaking and teaching the language to his family. For many years his Finnish roots were the reason he had the strength and motivation to overcome obstacles he faced. Although being Finn made him a stubborn man, he was somehow always right. Kai had the ability to cheer up those around him by always making light of situations and showing off his goofy side. He was always a reliable go-to person for his daughters to vent to and even team up with to pick on mom. Many of his friends and family referred to him as a “big ol’ teddy bear”, shown by his compassion and empathy for others.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Kai. He always enjoyed spending time with his buddies in the garage fixing cars, watching the races, playing blackjack, and going to rock concerts. Kai had a love for NASCAR, UFC, watching Formula 1 racing with his father, and the Chicago Blackhawks team. Some of Kai’s favourite pastimes with his family involved going for drives, eating out at restaurants, spending time at summer camp, and having Friday steak and movie nights.
Kai will be deeply missed and remembered by his wife JoAnn, daughters Erica and Kayla, father Erkki, sister Orvokki (Tiia, Ville, Taija), uncle Heikki and auntie Leena, aunt Pirkko (Atos), aunt Lahja (Marja and Eva), cousin Roy and Kim (Roy Jr and Jessica), aunt Laila, the Zuk family, and many of his close friends.
He was predeceased by his mother (Seija), godmother (Kerttu), and uncle Paavo and Vilho, aunt Marketta, and cousin Marku.
The family of Kai would like to thank the dialysis unit for providing optimal care over the years, by making his time there as comfortable and enjoyable as it could be.
A celebration of Kai’s life will take place on Saturday November 5, 2022, at Hilldale Lutheran Church from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. A reception will follow at The Social (old Melizana) beginning at 4:00 p.m. for friends and family to give a toast to Kai’s life.
