Max Pertti Hahto

Max Hahto passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in Parksville BC at the age of 94. He was born in Montreal, Quebec on September 14, 1931 to parents Niilo Matias Hahto and Kerttu Helena Virtanen Hahto. Max was oldest of their two children.

He graduated with a BSc degree (Chemistry & Physics) from Bishops University in 1954 and a MSc degree (Analytical Chemistry) from McMaster University in 1957. He was employed in many different roles including a Survey’s Assistant in Lac Onatchiway Quebec and a Research Chemist at Shawinigan Chemicals. Max also held a significant leadership role with Gulf Oil Canada/Petro Canada as the Senior Research Chemist (Atomic Spectroscopy / Electron Microscopy) prior to his retirement in 1981. He was an active member of many societies throughout his academic, professional and retirement years that included the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers (Bishops University), Chairman of the Toronto-Hamilton Section of the Spectroscopy Society of Canada and a contributing member of the Finnish-American Society, Suomi College (Michigan, USA).

Max met his wife Ruth Marie Marguerite Masson in 1951 and they wed in Chicoutimi on August 14, 1954. Together with his cherished and life-long partner Ruth, they thrived raising their three children Sylvie, Derek and Mark in Quebec and Ontario. After Max’s retirement in 1981, they made their way to Calgary, then Canmore and eventually settled on their beloved Vancouver Island in 1995.

Max was a devoted family man to his wife Ruth and their three kids. He was immensely proud of his entire family and relished in their accomplishments. As his children left home to pursue their dreams and start their own families, Max enthusiastically assumed his role as the loving and committed grandfather to his eight amazing grandchildren (Amy, Paul, Daniel, Brianne, Debbie, Tara, Christine and Justin). More recently, he took immense pride in welcoming his eight wonderful great grandchildren (Niilo, Everly, Ayla, Paavi, Hudson, Noemi, Forrest and Parker).

Max was highly educated and a life-long learner. He lived a full and active life. He relished the great outdoors and spent many days hiking, nordic skiing, cycling and gardening with his beloved Ruth always by his side. Throughout his life, he took immense pleasure in experiencing and taking endless nature photographs. He was an accomplished and avid golfer for over 50 years and boasted a 6 handicap and three holes-in-ones. Max and Ruth adored their dogs, and were loving and caring owners to Caesar, Bunny and Annie. Max was the family’s de facto historian who produced a series of highly informative bound genealogy books on the Hahto and Masson families.

Max is survived by his children Sylvie (Brad), Derek (Teresita) and Mark (Kirsty); seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who were all his pride and joy. Max was predeceased by Ruth in 2024, brother Erik in 2009 and grandson Daniel in 2006.

Max died peacefully on December 17, 2025. His loving spirit and endless curiosity will be terribly missed. We will always remember his kindness, loving heart and steady guidance. Max’s family will gather together to remember him. If you wish to remember Max, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the BC Wildlife Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

The family would like to acknowledge and express gratitude to Palliative Physician Dr. Susan Hunter and staff at the Hospice unit at the Trillium Lodge in Parksville for their professionalism, care and dignity provided to Max in his final days.