Passed away unexpectedly at Sault Area Hospital on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the age of 94. Survived by his wife, Mary. Father of Mark. Son of Joeli and Jenny. Brother of Errki and Kauko. Uncle to Johanna, Marja, Ritva, Juhani, Hannu, and Markku.
Olavi spent 50 years of decorated service as director of the Finnish male chorus Kaleva. He was an organist for the Latvian church service for over 20 years and a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who concentrated mainly on the piano and organ. In addition to being a sitting board member for a number of years with the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association, he also contributed countless hours of volunteer time helping with property maintenance and upgrades of the Resthome grounds. As an avid outdoorsman, Olavi enjoyed fishing, hunting, cross country skiing and hiking. On top of an already busy life schedule between work and other pursuits, he still managed to make time for the camp. This was usually a weekend ritual where he kept himself busy with a multitude of self-appointed projects. He also enjoyed making several road trips with Mary over the years. Some closer to home and others to southern and western parts of both Canada and the U.S.A visiting old friends and making new ones along the way.
Thank you to the staff at MKK for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.