Donald Weikko Loukola (60) died at his home peacefully but unexpectedly in true Canadian fashion – watching the hockey game. Don was born 8 February 1950 in Port Arthur, Ontario and spent most of his life living in Pearson Township. He spent the majority of his career employed with Lakehead Marine and Industrial (formerly the Shipyards) as a Machine Fitter. Recently laid off, he was looking forward to a summer of fishing with his friends in his new boat, doing various home repairs, and generally taking it easy.
Don attended South Gillies Elementary School from 1956 – 1964. He then went on to attend Northwood High School from 1964-1966 but left after Grade 10 in 1968 to join the Royal Canadian Navy. Don was in the Navy for two years but had to leave suddenly in 1970 after the death of his father. Upon returning to Thunder Bay, he enrolled in Confederation College. After college, he worked briefly for George Hill Supply and then at Shebandowan Mine until beginning his career at the Shipyards.
Donald is predeceased by his father Weikko Loukola, brother Wayne Loukola, mother Gertrude (Gertie) Loukola (Holmstein), and brother-in-law Ernest (Ernie) Matson. He is survived by his daughter Shannon Loukola and her mother Alanna Downey-Baxter, his son Cody Loukola and his mother Patricia Taylor, and his two older sisters, Verna Matson and Lorna Annala (Roger).
A celebration of Don’s life will be held Friday 4 June 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2820 Donald Street, Thunder Bay Ontario.
