It is with profound sadness that the family of Mr. Pauli Aatos Niemi (Paul), age 80 years, of Thunder Bay, announces his passing. Paul let go peacefully in his home at Pinewood Court surrounded by his loved ones on March 29, 2017.
Paul was born in Kaministiquia on September 17, 1936 to Finnish immigrant parents Rudolf and Sigrid Niemi. His childhood was filled with many enjoyable memories, growing up in the Finnish Community of Alppila and he always treasured his special lifelong bond with his sister Pirkko.
After graduating from high school, Paul worked at various jobs before pursuing a career in accounting. On September 27, 1958, Paul married the love of his life, Marlene Lehto. Together, they had three daughters and dedicated their lives to raising their family. While Marlene provided a nurturing and loving home for them all, Paul worked very hard to earn his accounting designations and to build his career to provide for his family.
Paul began the construction of a small family camp on Dog Lake in 1964 and this is where the family spent their summers. Paul and Marlene were thrilled at the arrival of their first grandchild in 1989, which was quickly followed by six more. Over the years, Paul made many modifications to their summer camp to accommodate his growing family and eventually completed his beautiful big dream cottage.
Paul was a very proud Finnish Canadian and remained involved in the Finnish community in Thunder Bay for many years. He was loyal to his longstanding Finnish friends and clients. Paul was a driven and hardworking man. Long hours and “sisu” helped him to build a successful accounting practice. He also volunteered on various committees and projects including Kanadan Suomalaisten Suurjuhlat (Finn Festival), Board of Directors of Suomi Koti and the Knights of Kaleva, a Finnish fellowship group. A dream of Paul’s was to visit his family in Finland, which he and Marlene did together several years ago.
When Paul wasn’t working, his true joy was simply to spend time with his loving wife, family and friends. Paul had a competitive edge and was always willing to engage in a game of cards or horseshoes at Dog Lake. Marlene and Paul loved to dance together, taking every opportunity to do so at special functions and celebrations.
Paul and Marlene were devoted to each other and enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage together, until Marlene's passing in 2007, which left a huge void in Paul's life. Paul felt so blessed when he later met Raili Whitney. Raili has been Paul’s very special companion since then. Although Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease around that same time, they enjoyed many good years together. Raili lovingly cared for Paul as his condition declined and she always brought a smile to his face. Paul moved to Chartwell Residence in 2015 and then to Pinewood Court in 2016. Even though Paul was a very particular and often anxious man, he accepted his declining health with grace. He was so fortunate to have the excellent care of all the staff at Pinewood Court who never gave up on him. His family will be forever grateful for their tenderness and compassion until his very last days.
Paul was always a very kind, generous and gentle father (and grandfather). He will be forever missed by his daughters Cheryl (Keith Cowley), Darlene (Michael Lehto) and Gayle (David Klassen), as well as his grandchildren; Kayla Cowley-Verkaik, Justin Cowley, Jordan and Olivia Lehto, Devin, Dayle and Dallas Klassen. Paul will also be very sadly missed by his special friend and love, Raili Whitney; sister Pirkko Oja; nephew Leo Oja; niece Leila Gunnell; brother/sister-in-law Karl and Pat Lehto; cousin Reijo Haapaniemi (Elna) and sister-in-law Toini Lehto as well as other nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his adoring wife Marlene Niemi (nee Lehto) in 2007, mother Sigrid Niemi in 1989 and father, Rudolf Niemi in 1972.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre (499 North Cumberland Street). Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the time of service and during the reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to Parkinson Canada or Pinewood Court Resident’s Council.
