Mr. Olli Tilus, age 89 years, passed peacefully on September 21, 2016with family at his side.
Olli was born in Himanka, Finland on August 8, 1927. He married Aino Maria Ranta on February 8, 1953. Olli immigrated to Canada in 1957 with his family and soon after arriving in Port Arthur, he began work as a tree feller for Abitbi and Domtar in the Beardmore area.
Working and staying at bush camps meant being away from family during the week and home only on weekends. He was able, in time, to find other jobs in the city so he could be home every day and participate in the raising of a growing young family.
In 1966 he found employment with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool 4 and soon advanced to millwright; a job he enjoyed until his retirement with more than 25 years of service.
Olli’s focus was always family, ensuring we had all the opportunities for education and advancement this “New Country” could provide.
He was always willing to give a helping hand to friends and neighbours. Olli was a man of few words and preferred to lead by example. With his quiet confidence and his sage wisdom he was ready with sound advice whenever we were faced with wrong turns or life’s dilemmas. He enjoyed the outdoors and scenic drives with Aino. They took many road trips across Canada over the years.
In his later years his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. At family gatherings he could be found content with one or more grandchildren in his lap.
Olli was a very active member of his congregation and worked tirelessly volunteering in numerous capacities and provided his skills during the construction of the Hilldale Lutheran Church. He also filled his time with personal passions such as bird watching, reading and singing with the church choir for many years.
Dad will be lovingly remembered by his wife Aino, children Raimo, Raija, Paula (Mark) Sullivan and Peter (Caroline). Faari as he is known to his grandchildren will be greatly missed by Kristiina (Jon) Watson, Eric (Christy) Osvath, Mikael and Sara, Carly and William and great grandchildren Norah and Ayden. Also left to mourn dad’s passing is his youngest sister Kaisa (Aimo) Palmu and many nieces and nephews in Finland.
The family wishes to extend sincerest appreciation and thanks to the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor Lily 4 and Grandview Lodge for your wonderful care and compassion these past years.
Funeral Services for Olli will be held on Sunday, October 16th, 2016 at Hilldale Lutheran Church, 321 Hilldale Road, Thunder Bay, at 11:00 a.m. with (Rovasti) Pastor Jari Lahtinen officiating with a reception to follow. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Olli`s memory to Hilldale Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.
