Pentti Talakoski

It is with profound sadness that the family of Pentti Talakoski, age 90 years, announces his passing, on April 26, 2018, following a brief illness.

Pentti was born in Kauhajoki, Finland. In 1956 he married Greta, the love of his life and they later immigrated to Canada where the family made their home in Thunder Bay. Pentti was an adoring and attentive husband for 61 years, to the time of Greta's passing in 2017.

A carpenter by trade, Pentti worked in construction, for Ontario Hydro and finally for Great Lakes Paper until his retirement. He also shared his talent and expertise with family and friends through various home construction projects. Whether constructing a project, tending to his meticulous lawn and hedges or making a batch of his infamous Finn pancakes, Pentti approached all tasks in a methodical manner, with great patience and precision. Pentti's favourite place was at Hawkeye Lake, where he worked side by side with Greta building a special retreat for the family.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a kind, gentle soul who was devoted to his family; encouraging his children and grandchildren in their pursuits, and a man who always took the time to extend a friendly greeting and chat with friends, neighbours or passers by. He loved nature and animals and held a special place in his heart for Miilo. Pentti was a man of faith, and an active member of the Christ Lutheran Church congregation and community.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Eija and Mark Simic; his sisters Leena (Seppo) Ketola, and Terttu Alhola of Finland; grandchildren Jennifer Simic Bogler (Jarrod); Jesse and Joshua Talakoski; and Mika, Sami, Petri and Anne-Mari Luoma of Finland. Numerous other relatives survive him in Finland and Canada.

Pentti was predeceased by his wife Greta, his parents, Juho and Tyyne Talakoski; his sons, Ronald and Juhani Talakoski; his great granddaughter, Sabina Noëlle Bogler; his in-laws Niilo and Helmi Kuntola and brother in-law Hannu Alhola.

Funeral Services for Pentti will take place Monday May 7, 2018 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 47 Walkover Street, presided by Pastor Brian Falkenholt.

Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pentti's memory to Christ Lutheran Church, 47 Walkover Street in Thunder Bay, or a charity of your choice.