Mr. Paavo Antero Haavisto, age 101 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
He was born in Veteli, Finland on July 8, 1920 where he lived and worked on the family farm while attending school. The family also established a brick-making business on their property. Paavo was a World War II veteran serving in the Finnish army from 1941 to 1944 until he was wounded. He came to Port Arthur in November 1951 with a small suitcase and little money and was immediately hired to work as a woodcutter in the Thunder Bay district at a time where horse-drawn sleighs were used to haul logs. He became a Canadian citizen in 1964. Paavo worked for Sillman Construction Company as a carpenter and foreman for many years before retiring in 1986.
In 1953 he married Aini Rantanen who was organist and choir director at Bethel Lutheran Church. Paavo became a member at Bethel and sang in the choir. He was a devoted husband, father and family man raising two sons Paul and David. Paavo continued to serve the church as elder, lay preacher and volunteer. He was an active member of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM).
Paavo is survived by son David and two brothers: Mikko of Thunder Bay and Martti of Veteli, Finland. He is also survived by other relatives in Thunder Bay as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives in Toronto and Finland. He was predeceased by his wife Aini in 2009 and son Paul in 2015. He was also predeceased by father Kalle (1946), mother Rauha (1987) as well as four brothers and a sister.
Paavo enjoyed his saunas, fishing, Finnish pancakes with coffee, and rice pudding with sauce. He also enjoyed gardening and cutting firewood at his Surprise Lake wood lot. Paavo spoke of God’s goodness and guidance throughout his many years and patiently endured the hard times. The family would like to thank Dr. Migay and St. Elizabeth staff for the home care they provided during his final days on earth.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, officiated by Rev. Jari Lahtinen of Hilldale Lutheran Church. Interment in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery will follow the reception. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service. The service will be livestreamed and archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Paavo’s memory to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) or a charity of your choice.
“I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)
