VILJO (BILL) HARALD SUOMINEN

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VILJO (BILL) HARALD SUOMINEN Peacefully at the Grace Hospital, on Friday, August 31, 2001, as the sun rose on a beautiful, cool, crisp morning, Viljo Suominen passed away at the age of 85. His memory will be lovingly cherished by Irja, his beloved wife of 60 years, as well as the many friends who, during the past 50 years in Canada, have adopted Viljo as their "Uncle", "Brother", or "Best Friend". Viljo was born in Pukkila, Finald on September 23, 1915. He was predeceased by his parents, Viktor and Elisabet, sisters, Linnea and Hulda, and brothers, Arvo and Oswald. As well as his wife Irja, he is survived by one nephew, Pentti Latopelto and family. After serving in the Finnish navy, and working as an auto mechanic in Finland, Viljo, with his wife Irja immigrated to Canada in 1951. With very little in personal belongings, armed with the courage so typical of Viljo, as well as some Finnish "sisu", Viljo and Irja began to build a life in Winnipeg. Viljo worked as an auto body mechanic at National Motors and at Wiley Mercury until 1962 when a stroke robbed him of much of his speech, but not of his spirit and will to continue living life to its fullest. Thanks to the compassion and vision of the late Max Short of Knit Rite Mills, Viljo was able to maintain his self esteem through employment in the ensuing ten years until his retirement. Despite the many challenges brought on by ill health, Viljo participated in life! He and Irja have played a major role in the success of the Scandinavian Centre. As well as financial contributions, Viljo and Irja have committed thousands of volunteer hours, for which they were awarded the Volunteer of The Year award by the Centre. Viljos greatest source of pleasure and feelings of achievement came from the summer home which he and Irja built at Eleanor Lake. Winter or summer, "in sickness and in health" he would coax Irja to take him there. It was as if Eleanor Lake was to him, a preview of Heaven on earth. Viljos warm smile and his great example of courage endeared him to all who met him. This included the nurses and staff on the 5th floor at the Grace Hospital as well as Drs. Sheila and Oscar Domke. To all of them, we wish to extend our sincerest thanks for their tender, compassionate care of Viljo. A special thanks also to Pastor Michael Kurtz and all our friends for their support and prayers which have helped to carry us through these difficult times. A funeral service, to celebrate Viljos life will be held at First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor St., (Victor at Sargent) at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5. The service will be followed by coffee and fellowship at the Parish Hall and then the interment of the ashes at the St. Vital Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Michael Kurtz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Viljos memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to a charity of your choice. Cry not when you think of me For now my soul flies high and free Take comfort in knowing There is no more pain Encircles in the Lords arms I live again Ill look down and love you all But for me there is a greater call Please dont stand at my grave and weep Gaze to the stars and there Ill be And someday together we will see Our love has lasted through eternity. "viela elaa" NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2001