Seppo Juhani Bjorn age 76 of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a lengthy illness. Seppo was born in Helsinki, Finland to Kaarina and Jouko Bjorn. He immigrated with his Mother and three brothers, landing in Dorval, Quebec on August 21, 1952 and continued their travels until reunited with their Father in Port Arthur, Ontario (ON).
Early on in life, Seppo worked at various jobs, but had an itch to move out west to Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC). His career began at Elk Falls Mill in Campbell River. He worked in various jobs, with a vast majority of his time in the kraft mill department, where he retired.
Seppo had a keen interest in fishing, hunting and rifflery (sports shooting, reloading ammunition, antique collections), photography, travel, Indigenous art and coin collecting. In his early 40s, Seppo took on the challenge of building a sailboat from the bare hull up. Although carpentry was not his trade, Seppo researched and learned to construct a sailboat, which took over 10 years to finish. This was a challenging task, but he endeavoured to persevere and constructed a magnificent vessel. The “Kulkuri” (Wanderer) was his pride and joy, as he loved to sail it along the BC coast. Anyone with an opportunity to see the boat or sail with Seppo, appreciated his eye for detail. The Kulkuri was flawless and a spectacular feat requiring patience, an ability to learn and develop an excellent carpentry skillset, reflected in the accuracy of every detail. Seppo never took sailing lessons and figured out how to sail on his own. When asked, How did you know what to do? He replied “The boat will tell you what to do.”
Over the years he would travel to the mainland to visit brother Paavo and his family. Seppo enjoyed visiting nephew Brian’s children, Christeen, Bethany, Jamie, Brennon and their Mother Jennifer. His travels would also lead him throughout BC, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska with return visits to Thunder Bay.
Seppo eventually sold his sailboat, retired from Elk Falls Mill in 2007 and ventured back to Thunder Bay to be with family and friends. Although he left BC, he remained in contact with very treasured friends from the west coast. Those long distance phone calls were very appreciated, when hospital restrictions did not permit visitation.
At times Uncle Seppo was a man of few words, but if you expressed a common interest, you would learn that he held a vast amount of knowledge and experience.
Predeceased by his parents Kaarina and Jouko, brothers Paavo, Andy, Esko, nephews Brian, Bert and Paul. Survived by brother Martti (Myra), nieces Amanda Bjorn (Brett Belcher), Alana Bjorn, nephews Ken (Chrissy) Bjorn, Geoff (Diane) Bjorn and numerous cousins in Canada and Finland.
Thank you to Seppo’s family physician Dr. Watson for providing him with good health care over the years. We also wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wound clinic staff, physiotherapists, nursing staff, Dr. Everall on 2 North, palliative care Dr. Migay and Sherry from the 4th floor at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Seppo often commented on the excellent health care provided by all the staff at St. Joseph’s. The family is so grateful for everyone’s kindness and efforts in keeping Seppo comfortable during his stay. A special thank you to everyone for your thoughtfulness and compassion during his last days.
As per Seppo’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. Interment for family and friends to follow at a later date at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Care Group or the charity of your choice.
