With sad hearts the family announces the peaceful passing of Eilo Edwin Niskanen, age 83 years, on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at his residence.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, ON July 28, 1931 to Vilma and Vaino Niskanen, he was the second youngest of four children. After attending school, he began his lifelong career in the forest industry. Starting in the Sault with Sault Equipment in the parts department and then on to W. L. Balintine in sales.
He then moved to Thunder Bay with W. H. Marr and on to Vulcan Machinery in various northwestern Ontario locations. Using his vast experience, Eilo partnered in starting Central Canada Equipment. After his retirement, Eilo continued in his loved profession as a heavy equipment and parts broker.
Dad always said there wasn’t a small town in northwestern Ontario that he hadn’t visited. Not only loving the wood harvesting process, he also loved working with it. Many people enjoy the rewards of this hobby.
He is survived by his children Sandy (Heather), Dave (Cathy) and Jane (Don) McLeod, his grandchildren, Maija (Doug) Zucciatti, Jon, Marlys (Chris) Morden, Tanner, Jessie, Brad McLeod and Megan McLeod and his great granddaughter Adalai Zucciatti, brothers-in-law, Gerald MacDonald and Verne Coutant and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy (MacDonald), parents, brother Onni, sisters Anja Enberg and Orvokki (Vi) Coutant, brothers-in-law Al Maki and Ken Enberg and mother and father-in-law, Jessie and Duncan MacDonald.
We would like to thank his dear friend George for never failing to be there for Dad, Dr. Kruppa, for his long standing care and Harbourview Funeral Centre for their compassionate care.
A celebration of life will be held at the Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Road, on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Eilo’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
