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JAASKELAINEN, Christopher: 1980-2016

Passed away in Guelph, Ontario on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the age of 35. Loving and cherished son of Harry & Penny Jaaskelainen. Beloved brother of Sheldon, Heidi, Byron, Marshall, and Rachel.
JAASKELAINEN, Christopher BIO

SooToday has received the following notice from Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre regarding esteemed local musician  Christopher Jaaskelainen.

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Passed away in Guelph, Ontario on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the age of 35. Loving and cherished son of Harry & Penny Jaaskelainen. Beloved brother of Sheldon, Heidi, Byron, Marshall, and Rachel. And loving Uncle to Annabella and Angus. Christopher was always filled with love, compassion, encouragement, and always was able to put a smile on your face. Some of Christopher's favourite words were Hope, Love, Happiness, and Charity. This was the way he lived his life - An open heart, and an open mind. As part of a large family with an abundance of musical talent, he was a proficient violinist, tenor vocalist, teacher, and sound recording engineer. Born and raised in the Sault Ste. Marie area, Christopher was active within the community, performing with the popular Goulais River Rats, the Algoma Conservatory Youth Quartet, the Chamber Singers of Algoma, the Kammermusik String Quartet, and was often a featured soloist – both as a vocalist and violinist – with the Sault Symphony Orchestra. After relocating to Southern Ontario, he enjoyed membership with the St. James Cathedral Choir, the Parish Choir and the Evestrum World Music Ensemble. Christopher was a TTC busker for three years and held the position of choir lead with the Church of St. Timothy from 2004 to 2011. He became a member of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale in 2004, Canada’s first professional choral group dedicated to all varieties of Afrocentric music, which has performed for international dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Muhammad Ali, Oscar Peterson, and President Barack Obama. He took up new challenges which often turned into hobbies from skydiving to bookbinding, dancing and every musical instrument under the sun. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the Echo Bay Full Gospel Church (292 Maple Leaf Rd.) at 1:00 pm. Interment Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/2hzmchz5, email transfer to [email protected], or directly to the family upon visitation (Checks can be made out to Heidi Jaaskelainen).  Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

You were a light in our lives, and your love will continue to burn in everyone you’ve touched.

We love you forever, and for always.

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To view the Nathaniel Dett Chorale with Christopher Jaaskelainen at U.S. President Barak Obama's inauguration, please click here


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