June 8, 1940 - June 14, 2022.
It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Vilho (Fred) on June 14, 2022, at the Sault Area Hospital with his loving wife and daughter by his side.
He will be profoundly missed by his wife Aira (Ida) of 55 years. Proud father of Sylvia Ann and Tania Maria. Devoted to his dog Josie and many, many grand fur babies. Son of the late Vilho and Aino Haavisto. Son in law of the late Arthur and Rauha Nakkila. Brother-in-law of Raili Marie (late Ralph) Miller.
Fred was born and raised in Melissa, Ontario, a small town just north of Huntsville, Ontario. He had many interests in his formative years. Skiing, fishing, and choir to name just a few. His interest in forestry, encouraged by his father, saw him to graduate with a Master of Forestry from University of Toronto. Summers between academic years were spent fighting forest fires and repairing fire towers.
He was employed by Forestry Canada (the Bug Lab) in Sault Ste. Marie. Although his work years were spent gallivanting all over northern Ontario, he still considered Sault home. He made many long and true friendships in his travels. He always felt blessed to work in a field he was so passionate about. Even when he retired, his passion did not slow. He became a " community forester". His belief in land preservation for all to enjoy, and his holistic approach to accomplish this, were found enduring to many. His curiosity, thirst for knowledge, and continued improvement to practices are still talked about by those that know him.
On the home front, his family and friends will miss his quirky humour and funny faces! His willingness to lend a hand when needed or a shoulder to lean on. We will miss his views on politics, global climate change, and cultural diversity. We will miss his fondness of comic books and Greyhound hockey. We will miss his voice, his smile, and even his grumpiness. We will miss every essence of his being. And for a brief time, we were blessed to call him ours.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at a future date.
The family would like to send their sincere thanks to Dr. Apostle, the nurses of 3B and 3C for their care and compassion. Thank you to the Bayshore team and the Sault Paramedics as well.
Even though Fred never made it to the Arch Hospice, he believed in their principle. Memorial donations may be made to Arch Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).