Maino Mannila

Mr. Maino Mannila, age 90 years, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2018 at TBRHSC. Maino was born September 5, 1928 in Kiikka, Finland.

Maino was a track and field athlete, serving as an alternate on the 1952 Finnish Olympic team. His greatest joy was besting Sweden. He was active in a number of sports, including serving as a Canadian Biathlon coach.

Educated in Finland in Commercial Business, Maino worked in Canada as a carpenter and as a residential/commercial builder. He was directly involved in the construction of Old Fort William and also served was a trade’s interpreter in the Fort’s early days. He took great pride in participating in the construction of the Hilldale Lutheran Church with other outstanding community volunteers.

He was active in all aspects of the Finnish-Canadian community, including the Finnish-Canadian Grand Festivals, Knights of Kaleva, hosting a Finnish language radio program, establishing Thunder Bay sister city with Seinajoki, Finland, the Canadian Government’s Multicultural Program, and as a director of Bay Credit Union.

One of his greatest joys was music, and singing in choirs was something he enjoyed throughout his life, from high school in Finland, to touring for many years with the Amerikan Laulajat.

For many years, Maino worked to create an extensive genealogy of his family, from the 1600’s to a few days ago, a gift to future generations.

He was a great lover of ice cream.

Maino will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Hanna; his daughters, Heli (Rick) and Anne (Scott); his grandchildren, Krysti (Cam), Teija (Ryan), Shanna (Mike) and Roxanne; great grandchildren, Matthew, Fiona and Nolan; his sisters Minna and Margit; as well as many relatives in Finland, and his many friends everywhere. He was predeceased by his parents, Eino and Fanny Mannila.

According to Maino’s wishes, there will be a private family ceremony and his remains will be buried in the family plot in Finland.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Maino’s memory to the Hilldale Lutheran Church.