It is with great sadness that the family of Sulo Ahti Hovinmaki, age 86 years, announce his passing on Monday, August 31, 2015 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, following a brief illness.
Born November 19, 1928, in Alavus, Finland, Sulo was the youngest of 15 children. In 1958, Sulo, along with his wife Henni and young son Rainer, sailed to Australia. They remained there until 1962, and then sailed to Port Arthur, ON, where they chose to reside permanently; and where their son Roy was born.
Sulo was a proud member of Local 628, Plumbers, Pipefitters & Welders since 1965. He has worked many jobs throughout Canada and the United States, finally retiring in 1991. Sulo was a very hard working man who had a fondness for tinkering; he was always working on a project of his own design or helping his sons. He could often be seen with a sugar cube in his mouth, drinking coffee out of a saucer. Sulo also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, going to the Hoito Restaurant, and in recent times, speeding around PR Cook Apartments on his scooter.
Sulo will be lovingly remembered by Henni, his wife of 60 years; sons Rainer (Pauline) and Roy; grandchildren Martti (Tanya), Leah (Chris), and Matthew; as well as great grandsons Raiden and Rory Andrechek. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in Finland and Thunder Bay.
Sulo was predeceased by his parents Matti and Hulda, and was the last of his siblings.
Sulo's family would like to thank Dr. Zaib and Nurses Dana, James, Sam, and Stephanie for their excellent and compassionate care of Sulo during his final days.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015, in the Chapel of the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Jari Lahtinen. Interment in Tarmola Cemetery, Onion Lake Road, will follow the reception. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to service time. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Sulo's memory to a Charity of their choice.
