It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pentti Voutilainen on April 28th, 2021.
Pentti was born on June 5th, 1928 in Varpaisjarvi, Finland. He came to Thunder Bay to visit an uncle and did not intend to stay. He met the love of his life Saara Ylinen and his plans changed. They married in Timmins in 1959 and they loved each other until the end.
Pentti had a very strong work ethic and gave everything he did 100 percent. He worked at various job sites as a miner and a carpenter including Old Fort William. He finished his work life at the age of 63 at Mattabbi Mines in Ignace as a “timber specialist” building and maintaining mine shafts. On weekends, he built a summer camp for his family and was honoured to help build the Hilldale Church. His great physical strength and endurance was equally matched by his generosity of spirit and kindness and caring for others.
Pentti had a life long passion for any type of fishing. He also enjoyed caring for his grandchildren in his retirement and it was one of the happiest times for him and our mother.
Pentti is survived by his three daughters, Arja Voutilainen, Kaija Voutilainen (Olavi Laskujarvi) and Ritva Wiitala (Bernie Wiitala) and his two granddaughters, Layla and Veronica. He is also survived by numerous relatives in Finland. He has one surviving brother, Risto Voutilainen, who continues to reside in Varpaisjarvi. He is predeceased by his wife, Saara, who passed away on August 17th, 2016.
Pentti spent the last couple of years at Hogarth Riverview Manor as he gradually declined with dementia. He maintained his physical strength but lost some of his ability to communicate, which was difficult as he maintained his desire to be social. We thank the staff of Daffodil North for taking such good care of him and a special thank you to Dr. Feldstein for never tiring of working with our family to provide the best quality of life possible for Pentti.
Due to current gathering restrictions, Funeral Services for Pentti will be held privately for family at Riverside Cemetery on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 presided by Rev. Jari Lahtinen at 2:45 p.m. Please visit www.harbourviewfuneral.ca to view the services live or you may watch at a later time as it will be archived on the same site.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pentti’s memory to Hilldale Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.
Dad, the blue butterfly on your left arm served to remind us that behind the strong and enduring core of a body, you also held a soul that was uplifting, hopeful and helpful. Like the lifespan of a butterfly, yours was too short for your soul and for us, your family and friends, who will miss you.
