Harold Henry Peltomaki

 Survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Alice Peltomaki (Roy) whom he met when she was 14 years old and decided he would marry one day. Also survived by his daughter Tammi Parsons of Qualicum Beach BC. His beloved son, Paul Roy Peltomaki died earlier this year on December 9, 2021, and we know was there to welcome his Dad.  

Harold was an active, energetic man who would have lived on the golf course if he could have. Losing his ability to play golf was a bitter blow. He was a member of Eaglecrest Golf Club in QB for many years and golfed at every golf course in his hometown of Sudbury, ON

From the age of 16 he worked in the mine at INCO and after a stint teaching Machine Shop at Lockerby Composite School he decided he wanted to become a full-fledged teacher. To that end, he went to summer school in Kingston and took courses at Laurentian University in Sudbury as well. He began his official teaching career at Garson Falconbridge Secondary School and in his career taught at Lasalle Secondary School and Nickel District Secondary all in Sudbury. He became the Technical Director and served for eleven years. In 1989, he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership to the Ontario Technical Directors Association for outstanding contribution to technological education in the Province of Ontario. He retired (the first time) in June of 1990. 

In 1987 He was awarded the Certificate of Excellence by General Motors of Canada, Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Over his career he received awards and accolades for his hard work which he was very proud of.  

He did not know how NOT to teach; he began teaching the INCO apprenticeship program at Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology after he tried retirement and failed. 

Having touched so many lives during his years as a strict, no-nonsense teacher who would go that extra mile, his students often called or would drop by for a visit throughout the remainder of his life....even when he moved to Vancouver Island they found him. He would take a shine to some students and had a personal stake in their well-being.

 Jeff Cartman of Sudbury was not only an ex- student he took a special interest in but a dear friend. Terry Illsley of Sudbury was also a student that Harold shared a love of basketball with and a continued friendship. 

Harold found time to pursue other interests and ventured into theatre in his adult years. He played the Rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof and appeared in The War Story in various roles. He enjoyed tackling the ski hills in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Collingwood and Mt Washington. 

Harold was a member of St Stephen's on the Hill United Church in Sudbury and a member of the choir for several years. 

Harold loved basketball and became an International Referee. He refereed the Harlem Globetrotters much to his delight. 

He enjoyed camp trips with his buddies and also camping with family at Lake Agnew where the family spent many summers. His faithful companion, Patches was always close by and they are undoubtedly together again now. Harold was an animal whisperer of sorts and carried dog treats with him to tempt new canine friends. Family cats also always found a soft touch and a temptation treat. He loved to dance and when his wife was worn out, he'd grab another partner and dance the night away. 

He was the Dad who would toss the kids and their friends in the car and take them to the lake in the summer with a stop for ice cream afterwards. He played basketball with his own kids, grandkids, nephews and neighbourhood kids. He made skating rinks in the backyard and snow tunnels. He was impulsive which could get him into trouble but his heart was soft and kind,  

Those who knew him will picture him with his cigar. His cigar that caused many stern words from family that he ignored with good nature. Even when he first went to long term care, he would have anybody he could find to wheel him out for a cigar. The shop keepers just had to be told, " a cigar for Harold please"

He was the youngest of three children and is survived by his older brother Oliver Peltomaki of Sudbury Ontario, (wife Stella) and his older sister Alice Lillian Peltomaki also of Sudbury.  

He is predeceased by his parents, Aino and Antii Peltomaki, both originally from Finland.

Harold is also survived by grandchildren Laura Parsons of Sudbury, James Parsons (partner Heather Bowden) of Sudbury, Rikki Chamberland ( partner Sabrina Tremblay) of Sudbury, Jesse Rovinelli ( partner Amanda Barnett) of Chelmsford and Vince Rovinelli ( wife Jasmine Rovinelli) of Sudbury.

Harold's great-grandchildren did not get to know "Poppa" much but his memory will be shared through stories and fond remembrances. They include Logan Levesque Chamberland, Amelia Rovinelli, ,Jayson Dupuis , Amy Dupuis, Dawson Rovinelli, Dominic Rovinelli and Micheal Pelland.

Harold lived three doors from his sister and brother- in-law Don and Kay Paul for many years on Vine Ave in Sudbury. The easy open door, come-and-go atmosphere between the two homes was the fabric of our lives and Harold had to be reminded sometimes that not everyone's home was like an open house. When Don died in 2014, it was like losing a brother. Kay ( now of Elliot Lake) has remained like a sister. 

Also survived by cousin (by marriage) Sue Luck ( husband Ray Luck predeceased 2019) of Scarborough who shares many of our family memories as we visited back and forth over the years.  

Harold was the proud uncle of Scott Paul (wife Loretta) of Elliot Lake and Doug Paul (wife Suzi) and children Eric and Kevin Paul of Houston. Growing up the boys often sparred with Uncle Harold and he had a special place in his heart for them. They'd all cover for each other when their antics got them into trouble.  

Also survived by nephew, Perry Peltomaki (wife Jane) Stephen Peltomaki (Sarah) of Ottawa. Predeceased by Nephew Danny Peltomaki (deceased Dec 1988) 

Harold was very fond of nephew, Tom Roy (wife Sheila) of Nelson BC and proud of his accomplishments. Also survived by great-nephew Trynn Roy and great niece Haeleigh Roy

Harold had a very special fondness for his niece Sheilah Roy, predeceased 2019 and her son, Dayne Roy ( partner Kaylie Randle)

Also survived by brother in law, Jack Roy (wife Phyllis) of Qualicum Beach who helped Alice and Harold make the transition to life in Qualicum Beach and provided the warmest of welcomes. Our special thanks to Jack for being there every step of this last journey no matter when we called or what we needed.  

Over the years, Harold mourned the passing of many dear friends that he had known for years and shared good times with. Bill Hendry, Dave Cole, Bob Evans, Frank Carbone, Oliver and Delta Coley, Saul Cartman, Rudy Blasutti , Len Thompson, Bill Doherty, Wally and Elaine Shewchuk, Dick Dow, Cathy Dow....and so many more whose names are woven throughout family memories.

There are a great many friends still with us that he spoke so highly of....Al and Jean Toppari, Rick and Lori Brayton, Wendy Gay Doherty, Judi Cartman, Gord Greenough and so many more 

Harold never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone and often did. He also knew a great many people and a simple outing could turn into an excursion while you waited for him to chat. 

Like we all do, he had his flaws even though we could never quite convince him of that and they only served to make him more human. 

Despite his many successes in his career, what meant the most to him was his family. He would tear up at the mention of a grandchild. As babies, he would carry them around the house and tell them endless stories until they dozed off. 

He will be missed more than words can say.

When Harold was still at home, his care was made easier by Janet Strandquist of Comfort Keepers and we are so appreciative of how she could get him to sing while she played guitar. 

We thank The Gardens in Qualicum Beach for the wonderful way they cared for "Mr. Harold". Always a smile, a gentle touch and a kind word. We are grateful to Dr Dalla Lana for his kind guidance and to Yates Memorial Services for their gentle caring. 

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date to be held in Sudbury Ontario. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the SPCA in Harold's name.