Jari Leinonen, beloved father, husband, uncle, and friend passed away with his family by his side June 11, 2024 at the age of 72.
Jari got his start in the working world at Domtar mill in Red Rock, working alongside his father and siblings. He briefly drove for Oikonen’s Yellow Taxi before going back to Lakehead University (LU) to qualify as a teacher. He taught Finnish language at Confederation College before moving to Finland with his wife of 35 wonderful years, Eija, where he taught English at the University of Joensuu. After returning to Canada, he started at LU, where he taught Finnish language and history for 32 years. He was also a substitute high school teacher for many years. He loved teaching and was a favourite of his students.
He later said he took his retirement in his twenties, when he was primarily a ski bum (in his words). He competed at multiple Canadian skiing championships and even World Cup events. He was a fixture at Finnish festival track and field competitions. He later competed on the ice, as a proud member of the Finn Kings men’s league hockey team. Later, he tirelessly worked maintaining the trails of Tapiola ski centre. He was the ultimate hockey parent and part-time coach, even strapping on the pads as the practice goalie for Esa’s PeeWee team. He continued to cheer on the Leafs, the team he fell in love with in 1962.
Jari was very active in the community; he was often seen running or biking around Thunder Bay, usually on his way to or from a yard sale or other bargain hunting. He was nearly always in a sports jersey, bright neon, or both. He also loved a bargain when it came to vehicles, which he owned over 70 of, and often adorned with his own custom paint jobs. He was a lover of music, his favourite being rock and roll of the 50’s and 60’s. He loved supporting Kai’s musical work and attending as many concerts and shows as he could. He was also an impressive dancer; including with the Kiikurit dancing group. He married Sirkka in 2019, and they enjoyed many activities together, including dancing at local halls and going for nature walks. He loved to socialize, and could talk for hours. He greatly enjoyed the community of the Waverley Towers Club.
Jari is lovingly remembered by his sons Esa (Brianna) and Kai (Ruby), his wife Sirkka Sjöholm, Sirkka’s daughters Eeva (John) Niemi and Anne (Cory) Broersma and their families, sister Aila (Bruce) Martinuzzi and their daughters Madison and Meaghan, sister-in-law Muriel (Sam), nephew Tim (Kelly) Leinonen and son Jason, nephew Harri Jr. (Karla) Leinonen and their sons Tyrone and Blake and daughter Olivia, niece Raakel Young, nephew Ryan Young, brother-in-law Bart Imhoff, and nephew Reggie (Nicole) Imhoff and daughters Gracie and Peyton. On his first wife Eija’s side he is remembered by sister-in-law Helena (Frank) Armiento and nephew Chris, sister-in-law Anja Erwin and nephews Alex and Ben, and Anja and Mikko Hankilanoja and daughters Kaisa and Maija and son Juha and their families. Jari is also lovingly remembered by many family members in Finland. Jari was predeceased by his first wife Eija, father Eero, mother Hilkka, brother Harri, and sister Saila.
A celebration of life will be held for Jari at the Italian Cultural Centre on Monday June 24, 2024 beginning at 11:00am. Arrangements entrusted to Sargent & Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
