With deepest sadness we would like to announce the sudden passing of Unto Kalervo Hirvonen on May 19, 2017 at the age of 79. Unto was born in Joensuu, Finland on June 26, 1937.
In 1950 the family moved to Sweden. The following year they immigrated to Canada. Originally they lived in Nemegos, Ontario but eventually settled on a farm in Port Arthur. We now know the area as Thunder Bay.
At some point Unto went back to Sweden as an adult. While there, he met Meeri (Mary) Auvinen who was his older brother Leo’s nanny. They were married in Sweden on September 5, 1965. Shortly after, Unto returned to Canada with his new wife. Unto had also become a Canadian citizen as well.
Unto spent most of his life working in construction. After working in Montreal for a while, they made their way out west to British Columbia.
Their son Kai was born in 1969 and their daughter Anne came along in 1972.
Unto’s job took the family on many moves between British Columbia and Alberta.
No matter where they lived, the one constant was spending plenty of time in the outdoors. They spent lots of time hunting, fishing and camping.
Once Unto retired, the family finally settled in the Grindrod area. They moved a few more times once the children left home. Swansea Point became their home up until a couple of years ago when they decided to downsize and move to Salmon Arm.
Unto will be sadly missed by his wife of 51½ years, Mary and his children Kai (Heather) and Anne (James) Honeyman. Unto was blessed with eight grandchildren: Islie and Madeline Hirvonen, Tia (Denis) Birmingham, Brenden Honeyman, Michaela Donahue (Cody Kobylka), Bradley Honeyman, Cody Donahue and Brooklyn Honeyman. Four great-grandchildren: Trustyn and Trentyn Birmingham, Hunter and Oaklynn Kobylka. He is also survived by his siblings who are still mostly in Ontario. Brother Raimo and sisters: Irene Saumur, Sirkka Myers, Mary Olenick, Ingrid Cameron and Betty Hjort. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
Unto was predeceased by his father Viekko, mother Martta and brother Leo. Unto leaves behind lots of good memories of laughter and love. He will always be remembered smiling.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on July 2, 2017 at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services followed by interment at Cliffside Cemetery. A tea will be held at James and Anne’s house (117 Grindrod Eastside Road, Grindrod). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to
ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES®
Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866