Lauri Maijala

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Lauri Arvid Maijala, age 83 years. Lauri passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on Monday, October 30, 2017, in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Lauri was born on August 31, 1934 in Kemi, Finland. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 with his wife Elvi. He saw Canada as a land of opportunity and set about to create a good, full life. Lauri and Elvi settled in Port Arthur and quickly became members of the local Finnish community. Lauri became a long time member of the Otava Male Choir and also sat on the Board of the Bay Credit Union. In regards to his work career, Lauri initially worked in the underground mines and in the bush camps. This was followed by a lengthy period of working as a carpenter. For many years, Lauri worked for Knudsen Painting and Decorating followed by MF Jones Acoustics . Lauri helped build some of our community landmarks, i.e., the Community Auditorium, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and, Hilldale Lutheran Church.

Lauri was throughout his life a physically active man. He enjoying anything to do with the outdoors, i.e., camping, hunting, fishing, and blueberry picking. He especially enjoyed spending time at the camp on Surprise Lake. As family would arrive for barbeques, he could be seen squeezing in his daily walk around the lake. For many years, Lauri and Elvi enjoyed winters in Florida with friends. A regular highlight of his week involved having family over on Friday nights for a sauna. A time for family to share a cup of coffee, mummu’s pulla and the news of the week. Many a birthday celebration was held around this dining room table, on a Friday night. 

Lauri will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years Elvi, his son Seppo (Wanda), his daughter Pirjo Smith (Sandy, David and Hannah), as well as, siblings in Finland, Teuvo, Annikki, Sirka and Aullis.

Lauri was predeceased by his parents Augusti and Martta Maijala, his brother Reijo and his sister Raija Maijala.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Hilldale Lutheran Church, 321 Hilldale Rd, with Pastor Jari Lahtinen officiating. A private interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lauri’s memory may be made to either the Hilldale Lutheran Church or online at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada . Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.