October 12, 1928 ~ June 8, 2021
Our wise North Star fought so very hard, for so very long, to stay with us. Veikko
was a giant among men – a proud Viking, a beautiful soul, gentle, kind, generous
and genuine. We can’t believe he is gone.
He loved books, maps and charts, gadgets, rocks and fossils, animals and
nature, Yellowknife and the North. He loved Formula 1, hockey (especially the
Oilers), his Jaguar, steak and lobster at Hy’s, Wiener Schnitzel from Jagerhof,
cakes and pastries and whipping cream and butter, beautiful clothes and
shopping at Lee Valley. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of history,
geography, the natural world and facts and figures. He was genuinely interested
in others and could talk to anyone, young and old, about anything.
Born in Viipuri, Finland, to a Swedish father, Karl and a Finnish mother, Lempi,
Veikko lost his father when he was only two. When the Winter War broke out
and their home was invaded by the Russians, he escaped with his mother, on
foot, carrying what possessions they could. This loss never left him. He spent
sunny summers in Sweden with his relatives who had taken in his sister, Greta,
when their father died. He learned to sail, loved the sea, dreamt of Australia,
then met the love of his life, Raila, in Helsinki. At age 30, Wanderlust brought him
to Canada, wife and young daughter in tow, where he secured a job in
Edmonton, Alberta, with the Federal Government, Department of Public Works.
As a young surveyor, he traversed the entire country, from coast to coast, often
by bush plane, float plane and helicopter, camping in the wilderness. He loved
the outdoors, the uncharted terrain and the adventure and could still name
every river and lake in this vast rugged country he was proud to call home. He
had a great love and respect for animals, supporting, with Raila, the World
Wildlife Federation, Save the Wolves and the SPCA.
In 1999, leaving behind many great friends in Edmonton, Veikko and Raila
moved to Vancouver to be closer to their daughter and her family. He was an
exemplary husband (his pet name for Raila, after 70 years together, was
“Beautiful”) and the very best Dad, bedtime story teller (the squirrel who saved
his nuts) and builder of bookshelves and little doghouses, an indulgent Santa.
He enjoyed people and relished their company; he truly cherished his friends
and delighted in visitors from Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the UK. He had
time for everyone.
Veikko is survived by wife Raila, daughter Eija Iris, son-in-law Cecil, many dear
friends and adopted granddaughter Renee. Predeceased by his parents, sister
Greta Falk, grandson Donovan, numerous beloved cats (especially Flicka) and
grand dog Tiquana, all of whom are reunited with him now.
Sincere thanks to Jean Dacua of Shylo Home Healthcare for her always cheerful
demeanor, care and support; to the kind Doctors over the past few years of
Veikko’s failing health: Dr. Anthony Koelink, Dr. Jay Wortman, Dr. Ross Taylor, Dr.
Adam Fowler, and, most recently, words cannot express our gratitude to the
very compassionate Dr. Jennifer Walker and the excellent staff at the North
Shore Hospice, where Veikko spent his last 4 days (wearing an Hawaiian shirt!).
No service, as per his request. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the beautiful
flowers and lovely cards. He fought an amazing fight to stay, he was not going
“gentle into that good night…” we are weary with sorrow, our hearts are broken,
we will love you and miss you always, but rest now, Isi, be at peace.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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