Remembering the time I had spent with Vello, and his work he put forth in giving the students at Korah a great expedition.

I am in absolute shock after almost a year of Vello's passing and I just found out. I know Vello since I was 15 yrs old, had the biggest crush on him for 5 long years! I visited him once in Thunder Bay and I have to say it was one of the best times of my life. I have the photographs and the memories to prove it. Geez if only I'd phoned before this shocking news. Really it's true only the good die young! Thanks Jello Marmalaid for the good laughs and memories! PROOSIIT!

Patti and family, we are so sad to hear of Vello's passing. It was a pleasure to have met and been a part of the "baseball" team with him.Our deepest sympathies .
Jo-Ann & Jyrki Elo

Patti&Jesse,
We were very sorry and saddened to read about the recent passing of Vello.
We remember him as a friendly,kind and sincere neighbour when you lived in Thunder Bay.

Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family and trust that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May you have peace and blessings during this difficult time.

Bill and Stephanie Bragg

Patty, I am so sorrry for your loss. We lost Terry in April so know how important iit is to know that family and friends are holding you up in prayer. Blessings to you and thankfulness for all the time that you had together.

Patti, I am so sorry for your loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti,

I am very sorry to hear of your loss.  Know that the old Hillcrest crew has you and Jesse in their thoughts.

Mrs. Merelaid, 

Vello made you want to live the kind of life he lived. My memories today are of the Lake Superior coast, fresh air, and Vello's fishing rod. Thank you for introducing him to us. My thoughts are with you and Jesse. 

- Alex Steele

Patti and Jesse: We are so sorry to hear of Vello's passing.  May you gain comfort from your many precious memories and by the closeness of family and friends.  Our thoughts are with you.

Patti, Jesse and extended family: we were so sorry to hear about you recent loss.  I am a classmate of Sarah's (his niece) and had the distinct pleasure of meeting Uncle Vello this summer. He was a kindred spirit who made everyone around him feel special.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Heather Galbraith and family (Sudbury, ON)

Many, many years ago, I was fortunate enough to cross paths in life with a man named Vello Merelaid. My first job out of high school was with McLean Hunter cable tv. Vello and I, a co worker back then, were the same age, so naturally we clicked. We hung out after work a bunch of times. We spent a few long weekends fishing. And we became friends. After a year I chose a different career path, but still dropped in to visit Vello from time to time. Spending time with Vello was always fun. Eventually our lives drifted apart. Reading of Vellos passing has brought tears to my eyes, even after all of these years. Vello was about as good as a guy that you could ever meet. He was funny, kind, a gentleman, intelligent, and sincere. I'm sure that I left a few good points out here. Patti and Jesse. You guys came along after my time with Vello. My sincere condolences to you both.

Patti and Jesse, We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Vello. When we were younger we spent endless hours enjoying life. Vello had such a great sense of humor and adventurous outlook on life.
Please accept our sincere heartfelt sympathy at this very difficult time.
Brian & Eva Watman

Our families thoughts go out to Patti and Jesse in this sad time.

Vello was a true gentleman and a dedicated family man.  It was great to get to know him and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Thoughts and prayers to you.

Rhonda and Stan Osadczuk

Patti and Jesse

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to you both and to your extended family.  I was so saddened to hear of Vello's passing. 

Vello was one of the nicest people I know and he will be missed very much at Shaw.  He touched all of our lives with his positive attitude and gift of humour.  Vello was a pleasure to work with and we are going to miss him!!

Jesse and Patti, Vello spoke of you both often and one couldn't help but know the love and pride he felt for the two of you.

Although we have lost Vello in our world,we did not lose him as a model in our lives.  He was such an incredible example of goodness, integrity and happiness!  If we could all emulate his approach to life we would be better for it!

May your memories of love shared bring you comfort.

Judy Barton

Jesse and Mrs. Merelaid,

I am lucky enough to have met and known a man like Mr. Merelaid. He was one of the kindest, funniest men I know. All the great times will be forever remembered and cherished. Let those memories guide you through this sad time in your lives. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Rest in peace,

Patti, Jesse and Family
We are so sorry for this loss. Vello's joy for life and friendly spirit made him a delight to know. May this joy sit in your hearts and warm your spirit forever. Our thoughts are with you.
Joanne and Dave Boucher

Patti and Jesse,
Vello had an incredible gift to make everyone around him feel special, and find goodness in everything and everyone he touched! He often spoke of his family at work and it was clear that he lived and loved fully!  He brought wisdom, humor, integrity and passion into our world and we will be eternally grateful for having known him!  Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.

Dear Patti and Jesse, 

 We are so sorry to hear of Vello's passing. We have fond memories of our 'team' parties and always remember Vello as a fair and gentle soul. Please accept our condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

 Tony and Val Bygate

Patti
Our hearts go out to you and Jesse at the loss of your Vello.  You eyes always reflected your love of him when ever you spoke about him  We know that he will be greatly missed.

Patti and Jesse,
I spent all our childhood summers at the cottage with Vello and the other 'Estos'. Although I did not know you, please know that he was the nicest boy out of all the boys in Gilford when we were growing up. He was nice to everyone even when he was very young. And he was so good to his mother. Someone to be proud of. My heart goes out to both of you. 

Kallis Erna,
Südamlik kaastunne Sulle Sinu kurbuses. Vello oli kõige toredam kõikidest poistest kui me üleskasvasime. Ja me rääkisime igal suvel, kui ta tuli Edgar'it külastamas. Mul on nii, nii kahju Sinust. 

Puhka rahus/ rest in peace, Vello.

Patti:

We are so sad that Vello is no longer with us.  He was such a  nice and happy person.  We are going to miss his smiling face.  Remember all the good times.

Jesse:

Your Father was one in a million, and was so proud of the young man that you have become.  You are very much like him in your bearing and attitude towards life. Continue to lead your life knowing he is stll guiding you.

Erna:

The hardest thing any mother can face is losing your child.  You are such a strong woman, and were very much loved by Vello. Please know that Lembit & I are thinking of you

Juri & Sandy

We are going to miss seeing Vello in Gilford.  You must have many wonderful memories growing up with such a great brother.  He was a wonderful person, who will be greatly missed.
 
All our love 
Lembit & Ann Lepmets

Our families fled Estonia via Sweden and emigrated to Canada. Many fond childhood memories with the Merelaids.
Their poor grandmother (Mamma)had an annual week trying to keep control of four rambunctious boys at the cottage every summer.
Puhka rahus Vello...
Our deepest sympathies to Patti, Jesse, Erna and Juri.

I will always remember Vello for his kind words and advice.  He truly was the most amazing man.  My thoughts are with you during this sad and difficult time.

Dear Merelaid Family,

Words simply cannot express the sorrow that is felt for you all in the sudden loss of a spouse,father, poeg ja vend.

When we first met Vello there was an instant connection- not just through the love of cross-country skiing and the great outdoors but our shared heritage of being Estonian. Vello felt like a lost member of the family- the  rapport was immediate. He was extremely proud of his entire family and very happy about his decision to live in SSM. He embraced life to the fullest.

Wishing you all the comfort of knowing that nothing can diminish the love and memories you shared.

Puhka rahus.

 Greg & Aili (Albo) Dunne

Patti and Jesse - our thoughts are with you.  Vello was a kind-hearted man with a great appreciation for his community.  May the memories of him guide you through this difficult time.  
Greg, Sandy, Brad and Jessica Pawson

Patti & Jesse,

Having worked with Vello these last 4.5 years has been a pleasure. Not only was he genuine and charismatic, he was passionate in all that he did.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Patti & Family  So sorry to hear of Vello's passing.  We met you and Vello at Bruno & Nancy's cottage this summer. Had the opportunity of chatting with Vello about his trip to Estonia he was making me laugh....He was a real nice man with a lot of knowledge.  We are fortunate to have met him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Anna Favaro & Terry Brown

To the Merelaid family : We were shocked and saddened to hear of Vello's passing and want you to know that the thoughts & prayers of many, in Gilford and Toronto, are with you at this time of sorrow.

Sorry for your loss I had the privilege to work with Vello when I was the planner for SSM from Thunder Bay. He will be missed.
John Komar

Mrs Merelaid

I am so sorry for your loss.  Vello was a kind and caring man who will be greatly missed.  Please know that you and Jesse will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Vello was truly a blessing in my life and I am a better person for having known him. 

Jesse, your Dad told me so much about you and how proud he was of you. He was one proud Dad, that's for sure. 

Patti, thank you for sharing your wonderful husband with all of us at Shaw. He was a truly wonderful human being and we will miss him every single day.

Love and Prayers,

Anne Godfrey

Patti and Jesse
I really do not know what to say, this is such a shock.  Vello was such a gentle soul and he will be missed.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Katriina Myllymaa

Vello was a very inspirational role model with the most positive attitude I have ever known.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Vello and spending time with him and his family and friends. He was truly an “Outstanding” person who will be deeply missed.

Patti and Jesse

Bob and I are devastated at the loss of one of the nicest guys ever. He was the first to step up when help was needed and was always cheerful, finding rays of sunshine on the cloudiest days. 

We are so sorry for the loss of your best friend. 

Please let us know when the life celebration will be held. 

Bob and Karen Walker

Very sorry to hear of Vello's passing. I have many fond memories of when we were a little younger. I always thought very highly of Vello and wished we had kept in touch.

We are stunned and saddened by the sudden loss of Vello, as your neighbors to the south we have enjoyed meeting and getting to know the entire Merelaid family. We will truly miss his great smile, outlook and the occasional Saku. 
Rob, Nadine and Wyatt.

Vello was one of those intelligent, gentle and together persons that every now and then, if you are really lucky, you get to know.  Vello and I worked together for many years and in every instance he kept true to himself and put his family first at all times.
His decision to move to the Sault to be closer to his home and to find a better balance in life was a testament to his love of life and his family. I applaud him for that and admire the courage it took to make that step.
Vello, I'll see you on the other side!

Words cannot express the sadness that I feel for  your loss,my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sadness.  Vello was indeed an inspiration to all of us who had a chance to know him and work with him. He will be missed by so many.  May you find the strength in all the wonderful, happy memories of your lives together.  God Bless

Patti and Jesse, Paul and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Vello's sudden passing.  Although we haven't kept in touch, Paul often thought and spoke of Vello and their early years together in school.  Paul had his first job working with Vello and travelled out West with him.  Many happy memories were made.   Our thoughts are with you at this very sad and difficult time.  Sincerely, Paul and Lynne Ross, Bloomfield, Ontario

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.

The Lund and Oldfield Families.

Patti & Jesse
Anyone who knew Vello has a heavy heart, as we all feel that world has lost a perfect gentleman. 
Vello's positive thinking, concern for others and that quick whit are just a few of the qualities that drew people to him.
Try to find comfort in your memories, Vello loved you both so much.
Take Care
Love Carol Berry

I made an attempt to find Vello the last couple of years. I was unsuccessful as I thought he was still living in Thunder Bay. I am one of his good friends from the North Toronto neighbourhood we grew up in. I sure remember some great times with Vello, as I know all of us do. I will miss you old friend.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Dear Patti and Jesse;

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.  

Vello was one of the most lovely, gentle, and quick-to-smile/laugh/help men I've ever met. My sincere condolences and my thoughts are with you.

Very sorry to hear about Vello's passing, I knew Vello very well from my early adult years but lost contact with him. I have many fond memories of him. I wish you all the best in your new life Vello.

Jim Kendrick

Patti & Jess, you cannot put a word combination together that would describe Vello's life well enough & his impact as a good friend to me and our family, except for " he was the best!" Joanane, Matt & I wish to offer our condolences to your family you have to know that you will be always in our thoughts and prayers. Paul DeGiacomo Thunder Bay ON

Patti and Jesse - words cannot truly express the sadness that I feel for your loss.  Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers and that you will always have your Korah family to support you; we are here for you!

Mrs Merelaid and Jesse- I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. May the memories you have of him give you comfort at this time.

Patti and family:  So sorry to hear of your loss.  Vello was the kindest, most genuine man I have ever met.  The world could use more men like Vello.

Patti, I am so sorry to hear about Vello.  Becky & Trevor would keep us informed of "what you 2 were doing".  I remember the old days in Thunder Bay; we had great times with you and Vello; we have the "memories".  May he rest in peace.  Pam "Ensrud" Bruley (Becky's sister).

Dear Mrs. Merelaid and family,

I am very sorry for your loss. Vello was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will always remember the good times we had on the Rome to Athens Trip. May he rest in peace.

Mrs. Merelaid,

I am so saddened to hear about the loss of your husband.  He was always so kind to us during Dragonboat weekend and at other Korah events.  I know that his memory will live on in the hearts of both you and Jesse.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti and Jesse: Please accept our condolences for your loss. May all your wonderful memories of a life well spent together give you some comfort at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patti and Family - From our family to yours, we want to express our deepest condolences for your loss.  Vello was a great man with a great sense of humor.  I've known him for the past 8 years and I can't say that there wasn't a day that went by, nor will go by that Vello didn't touch my life in some way or another.  I have learned a lot from him in regards to work and life in general. He had a way of easing a situation, and ligthening your day. 

~I truly believe that everyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting him are a better person because of it.  He has spread so much joy and good words, great laughs and a person you can count on for everything.  We are truly, truly, blessed to have been able to call Vello a friend, co-worker/work family.

Vello was a co-worker and a friend that I worked with while I worked at Shaw. Always putting others first and inquiring to make sure that his companions were taken care of. The world will miss him and I will never forget such a caring and generous face. May fair winds and calm seas take you home Vello.

Patti & Jesse-we are all so saddened by Vello's passing. He always positive and supportive of everyone-a wonderful human being! Vello will be missed by all of us involved with the Duke of Ed as well as his fellow employees at Shaw. 

We will think of him and pay tribute to his spirit in every hike we do in the Park.

Patti & Jesse:  Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss.  We in Thunder Bay will miss Vello so very much.  As a supervisor, co-worker and most of all, our friend.

I had the pleasure of being hired by Vello in Thunder Bay in 2000 and still work there today. He was one of the best bosses I ever had. My condolences to the family. 
Rod Petrik

Patti and Jesse: Vello had a gift of humour and a joy for life and family we should all aspire to. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and the knowledge that he lived life to the fullest for his family, friends, and all who knew him

Thoughts and prayers from the staff at Hiawatha Highlands.

Patti and Jesse: Vello had a gift of humour and a joy for life and family we should all aspire to. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and the knowldge that he spent every day of his life to the fullest for his family, friends and all who knew him.

I had the pleasure of working with Vello at Shaw for about 2 years. He was able to find a positive spin on virtually any situation. He gave more than 100% in what he did. My fondest memory is when I asked him how he managed to keep the dashboard of his Shaw van dust-free since mine always seemed to attract dust daily. His reply, with a smile - "I wipe it down." Anyone who knew Vello can see the irony / humor in his answer. He was not one to condemn people in the way he talked.

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Patti and his family. He truly will be missed by many.

Mrs. Merelaid and Jesse, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  Mr. Merelaid was always such a ray of sunshine in our rain-drenched expeditions.  Now he will shine his light down from Heaven for you to light your way through the rest of your lives.

Kaitlyn Teller, 2008 Expedition

Patti and Family; Vello was one of the greatest men I have known.  His inner strength and pride was evident in all that he did.  I have not met many men as kind and giving as Vello.  He will be missed greatly.
Eric & Lynda Groulx and Family.

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this sad and difficult time. Keeping you in our hearts.  

Love, the Hornblower Family

OBITUARY

Vello Merelaid

August 5, 1954 – September 22, 2012

Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel

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