Udo James Reinsalu

The family of Udo James Reinsalu sadly announces his passing on February 17, 2018 at TBRHSC after a brief illness. Udo was born in Jarwamapol Estonia on May 14, 1926 and immigrated to Canada in 1947. He began working as a wood cutter in the bush camps near Thunder Bay/Nipigon areas, while learning English. In 1960 he began working for Great Lakes Paper Company as a bush mechanic and later moved to the Woodlands Garage from the time it opened until his retirement in 1986.

Udo met his love, Diana, in Nipigon in 1951 and 4 months later they married. They lived in Nipigon for one year before moving to Thunder Bay and it was here that they began a family, 3 girls and 2 boys. For most of those years they lived on Balsam Street where he continued to live on his own for the last 15 years.

Udo was predeceased by his wife Diana in 2002, infant granddaughter Josey in 2003, his son David in 2005, his mother Aleda in 1968 and father August Reinds in 1971.

He is survived by his daughters, Linda Bolt (John), Grace Broughton (Bruce), Monica Budiselic, and his son Martin (Lynda). He was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Amanda Bolt, Jennifer Bolt (Chris) Sharlene Bolt(James), Matthew Broughton(Lisa), Dan Broughton(Jennifer), Shannon Budiselic-Wiljamaa (Rick), William Budiselic (Vivian), Treena Reinsalu (Quentin), Jason Reinsalu (Marcie), Dave Reinsalu and Brandon Reinsalu (Karen). And extra blessed with 13 great grandchildren: Orion, Paige, Noah, Payton, Austin, Rhyis, Kai, Avayah, Aiden, Parker, Zachary, Isis and Emily.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Zaibe and the nurses on 1A and 3A at the TBRHSC for their compassionate care during this time. A special thank you to his family physician, Dr. Reid, and all the personal support workers from VON, you were there for him throughout the years and he enjoyed all the visits.

A celebration of Udo’s life will be held at the Harbourview Funeral Centre on Monday, February 26th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers donations to the Regional Cancer Care Centre or the Cardiac Care Fund at TBRHSC would be appreciated.