Esko Kastikainen passed away peacefully on April 16, 2023, at the age of 73 with his family by his side, following complications from a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Esko was born on June 12,1949 in Varkaus, Finland and was the oldest of nine children. His parents, the late Yrjo and Jenny Kastikainen moved the family to Dryden, Ontario in 1958 and shortly after to the logging camps north of Kenora. It’s here where his parents instilled the meaning of hard-work and integrity at a young age — something he emulated each and every day of his life.
The family moved to Sault Ste Marie in 1967 and Esko began a nearly sixty-year career in the skilled trades. While carpentry was his master craft, his deep understanding of the trades knew no limits. Over the years he and his crews built hundreds of custom homes and garages in the Sault and Algoma area. Esko was always known to pick up his phone at all hours of the day and provide technical advice on any issue. Whether it was fixing a leak or a new home build; it didn’t matter to him if he was going to get the job or not. Esko enjoyed helping out anyone in need.
Esko was always very proud of his Finnish heritage and in 1980 took on the role as President of the Soo Finnish Club. It’s during this time while he served as General Manager of the club’s Hiawatha Lodge that he met the love of his life Patti, whom he was married to for over 34 years. In 1988 they purchased the Country Place Restaurant & Tavern (Lucey Loo’s Restaurant) in Echo Bay. Living ‘down the line’ meant living close to Patti’s family, including her parents Ed & Joyce Hunter whom he loved so much.
Esko always enjoyed the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed playing slo-pitch, hockey, bowling and cribbage for many years. He also played in the King’s Roofing Golf League for 41 years and enjoyed cheering on his Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Of all Esko’s many hobbies and passions, there’s nothing he enjoyed more than his time on the lake fishing with friends and family, and his children Gord and Lacey, son-in-law Orry, and grandson Lakyn — the apple of his eye. He also always looked forward to spending quality time watching sports and visiting the casino with his son Jon when visiting from Toronto.
Esko is predeceased by his parents Yrjo and Jenny Kastikainen (nee Tenhumaki).
He is survived by his wife Patti (nee Hunter); children Gord (Marsha), Jon, Lacey (Orry); grandson Lakyn; siblings Juha, Eeva, Pauli, Paula, late Hannu, late Anita, late Iyla and late Seppo.
Esko will also be missed dearly by many family, friends and employees.
The family would like to thank the entire Sault Area Hospital team and nurse Amy and Jessica for their compassionate care during his short illness.
Friends and family are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Esko’s Life at the Echo Bay Elk’s Hall on Friday, April 21, 2023. Visitation 1pm - 3pm, service at 3pm, followed by interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Lunch to follow at the Echo Bay Elk’s Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Esko’s honour to the Echo Bay Elk’s Lodge #535 or to ARCH (payable by cheque or following instructions below). Arrangements entrusted through O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).
Echo Bay Elk’s Lodge #535 - email money transfer: [email protected]