Matti, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on May 11, 2022.
Matti was born in Port Arthur and was the youngest of eleven children born to John (Johanes) and Lydia Nummikoski. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Lydia, and all of his brothers and sisters Sylvia, Mamie, Arvo, Oliver, Yrjo (George), Linnea, Lahja, Frank, Waino and an infant sister.
Matti married May Elizabeth Nelson in 1954. They moved to Nipigon where Matti worked for Nipigon Lake Timber and helped build houses on the side. Matti and May had four sons (Allan, Bob, Randy, David). In 1969 the family moved to Whitefish Lake where Matti worked for Great Lakes Paper Woodlands Division. He also participated in many lumberjack competitions and won many awards. Unfortunately in 1981, May, became ill and passed away on December 24, 1981, such a tragic loss for the family.
Matti continued working at Great Lakes until he retired in 1998 after over 30 years. Post retirement, Matti stayed busy and was contracted by companies to train and certify staff on the use of chainsaws.
Matti was such a kind man, full of laughter, and had a wonderful sense of humour. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, playing the harmonica, casino and perfecting his woodworking skills. In the most recent years, you could find Matti having coffee at McDonalds before going out to Chippewa with his friend Donny, where they set up a woodworking shop, and then enjoying evenings at his apartment with his cat Jake. At the workshop, Matti built everything from potato bins, bird houses, kleenex boxes, skidders, and trucks, just to name a few. He was always so happy to make whatever people asked him to, as well as making creations of his own. His woodworking skills were amazing and he really loved being out there “making sawdust”.
Matti will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his sons Allan (Karen), Bob (Linda), Randy (Sharon), and David (Angie); 13 Grandchildren Kara Lee, Angie, Allan, Jeffrey, Robert, Mandy, Viola, Stephanie, Mitchell, Kelly, Kaitlyn, Nicole and Karlene; 12 Great Grandchildren Donavon, Ariana, Ainsley, Gracie, Abigale, Devon, Brooklyn, Ethan, Addison, Reid, Deacon, and Lincoln; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
As per Matti’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Service/celebration of life will be held at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Humane Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
