Arvid Edwin Kanto

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Arvid Edwin Kanto, affectionately known as "Steady Eddy," left this world on February 20, 2023, at the age of 93. Ed was born on May 11, 1929, in Shabaqua, near Raith, Ontario, to Vieno Kanto (nee Paloniemi) and Soloman Kanto.

Ed lived a full life, but his passing leaves a void that can never be filled. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lillian Kanto, his mother Vieno Kanto, his father Soloman Kanto, his brother Allan Kanto, his sister Adele Olsen (nee Kanto), his daughter Karen, and three other unnamed children at birth. Their loss left an indelible mark on Ed's heart, and he carried their memory with him every day.

Ed is survived by his daughter Linda Orban (nee Kanto), sons Clifton and Douglas Kanto, and their respective spouses, Ben, Lima, and Nancy. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Joshua Kanto, Justina Kanto (and spouse Luke), Jason Orban (and spouse Chandelle), Sarah Orban, and five great-grandchildren, Lilly, Zoe, Ashton, Hendrix, and Amellia. Ed also leaves a large extended family. Ed's family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Ed dedicated 40 years of his life to CN Rail as a Brakeman before retiring in 1989. He was a hard worker, always reliable, and known for his dependability. As a young man, he operated a logging truck and was fluent in Finnish. He was a skilled electrician, cabinet maker, inventor, and a card player extraordinaire, especially Canasta. Ed was also a private pilot. During his time in Hornepayne, Ed was the town electrician, installed hot water tanks and took care of the town's water supply, all while working full-time for CN, and building a house.

Ed and Lilly's love story was a beautiful one. They were married in 1948 and began to build a life together. Ed built their family home in Hornepayne, ON, brick by brick, paycheque by paycheque. He and Lilly also built a sanctuary on their Island at Government Lake. Together they built a wood-fired sauna and a three-bedroom camp on the Island. This was no small feat, as the island was accessible only by boat or snowmobile. But Ed was determined, and with Lilly by his side, he built a haven for their family where they could relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. The sauna was a place of solace and rejuvenation for Ed, who would spend hours tending to the fire and enjoying the warmth and tranquility it provided. His zest for life was contagious, and his spirit was unyielding. Their love was a testament to the Finnish word "Sisu," which means guts. Ed embodied this word, and it could be said that Ed, in one word, was Sisu.

Ed moved his family to Hornepayne before there were roads leading there, and he faced every challenge head-on. In 1978, he moved the family to Thunder Bay, ON. After Lilly died in 1992, Ed decided to move to Beardmore, ON. In 2015, he moved to Indian Head, Saskatchewan, where he remained until his passing.

Ed's love for his canine companions was undeniable. He named all his dogs Wimpy, with the original being a three-legged mutt in Hornepayne, ON. He loved reading, movies, and spending time at the camp on the island at Government Lake.

Ed became known for a few of his favourite phrases: "wouldn't that frost ya", "oh prunes!", "stay between the ditches", "born tired and never got rested", and most famously "a card laid is a card played!!".

Ed's ashes will be buried near his bride in Thunder Bay, ON. His family and friends will miss him dearly, but his memory will live on forever. Ed's legacy is one of hard work, determination, and love. His life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and we are honored to have been a part of it. Rest in peace, Steady Eddy.