Mr. Neil Stanley Maunula, age 75 years, passed away peacefully in T.B.R.H.S.C. with family by his side on October 20, 2015. Born in Port Arthur on May 17, 1940 to Mikko Antti (Andrew) & Tyyne (nee Maki) Maunula, he was the seventh child born into a family of eleven siblings.
Neil is survived by his spouse of 56 years, Erna (nee Price); children Howard (Kathie), Susan (Murray) Riddell, Darrell, Gordon (Kerri), Jason (Kathy) & Krystal (Justin) Wiwcharyk; twelve grandchildren Jacqueline (Dave), Claire, Curtis, Tyler (Kylee), Brenden, Wyatt, Georgia, Rayna, Karson and Krystin; four Great-Grandchildren Lillian, Charles, James and Emily; six brothers Allan, Donald, Paul (Pat), Arnold (Jewel), Marvin (Gisele), Norman (Sandra) and two sisters Shirley (Robert) Hand and Eileen (Chris) Mikkelsen; sister-in-laws (brother Frank’s widow) Elvie and (brother Laurie’s widow) Mary Ellen; brothers-in-law Bill (Alice), Henry (Judith), Jim (Diane) and (brother-in-law Lorne’s widow) Ingrid; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents Andrew and Tyyne; parents-in-law Fred and Ellen Price, grandson Cody, great-grandson Caiden, brothers Laurie and Frank, sister-in-law Elsie and brother-in-law Lorne.
Neil grew up on a farm in McKenzie where he attended McKenzie Public School and later Hillcrest High School. He first started working for his father at a young age, peeling poplar with brother Donald in Beck.
Neil then worked with his brothers for Maunula Trucking and also in numerous bush camps in surrounding regions with his wife and young children in tow. It wasn’t until M&N Logging started, that he ventured into his own business, later changing the name to Shuniah Contracting (1965) and finally Shuniah Forest Products (1983) that he really found his calling of being a successful business owner.
He was finally able to retire at age 65, and let his sons take the reins of the business. Neil was still consulted on business ventures through-out his retirement and signed the cheques for the workers right up until he no longer could a few weeks ago. Other business ventures included the start up as part owner for Central Canada Equipment (1979) and Woodland Tractor John Deere (1985). Both were very successful for Neil.
Neil had a passion for life in numerous activities including gardening, hunting, fishing, traveling in his motorhome, shopping, building and maintaining camp at Eldorado for his family to enjoy year-round, enjoying quiet time with his beloved dogs Molly and Mindy, visiting family and friends with a glass of wine. With his heart of gold, he tried to keep everyone happy and working if they wanted even when the mill would be shut down. His signature call number on the work radio was “Shuniah 10”.
Funeral services for the late Neil Maunula will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 11:00AM in Epiphany Lutheran Church, 499 Dewe Avenue with Rev. Daniel Repo officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, October 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley St.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund, Lutheran Community Care Centre, Thunder Bay & District Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
