We regretfully announce the passing of Yrjo Olavi Aalto, on Thursday, September 9, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.
Yrjo was born, in a sauna as was the tradition, the sixth of eleven children to Johannes and Martta Aalto in Oulu, Finland on October 22, 1935. Growing up on a farm, he developed a particular fondness for horses. As a young man he was athletic and loved cross country skiing and running.
Yrjo completed his mandatory service in the Finnish army at age 22. In 1959 he immigrated to Canada first living in the Toronto area, then Sault Saint Marie, Island Lake and Thunder Bay. It was here that he met and married Ulla Vastila and together they raised their four boys. Yrjo was very proud of his Finnish heritage and passed many of the traditions along to his sons, including the gift of a second language.
Predeceased by his parents and siblings, Veikko, Heimo, Kalevi and Elli. He is survived by his wife Ulla, sons Peter (Melody), Brian, Robert (Kim) and Keith, grandchildren Erik, Ashley and Austin, brothers Matti , Penti and Eino, sisters Eeva, Liisa, and Aili, sister -in-law Anita Aalto, nephews Roy Niemi and Asko Aalto, nieces Rita Kimball and Sirpa Bishop, as well as numerous relatives in Finland.
Yrjo worked in logging bush camps, St Mary’s paper mill and Sask Pool Grain Elevators until health concerns resulted in an early retirement in 1990.
Yrjo had a long and well lived life. He enjoyed his time spent with family, the companionship of his dogs and good food, especially kahvia ja pulla! Even as his time grew near, he was a great example, bravely facing the unknown, telling the stories of family so that they might live on, keeping us close and sharing his love.
Many thanks to Dr Lai who kept his heart beating as long as he could, Dr Ward for her patience and attention to the finest of details, Dr Doiron for her compassionate guidance, Dr Shamsuyarova for her expertise and the nursing staff on 2 A TBHRSC, Hospice at St Josephs Hospital and Bayshore for all of care and comfort given.
At his request, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be planned at a later date.
