Kari Juhani Niemi

With deep sorrow I announce the passing of my husband Kari on Feb.28 at Michael Garron Hospital, of heart failure.I was there to hold his hand when he passed. Kari was predeceased by his parents and his only sibling Marianne in Sweden. Left to mourn him are me, Leena (nee Klinga), his wife of 32 years; my son Michael; Kari's daughter Brittney and her little boys;his long time friend Bill; his good friend Bob and all the other guys at Feathers Pub; his other friends; neighbours; former coworkers.In Europe my sister Tarja and family and my brother and family in Finland (they all knew Kari well); his life long friend Ulf in Sweden; his niece Miriam in Denmark; his nephew Kristian in England.

Kari was born in Finland to Finnish parents but they moved to Sweden when Kari was just a baby. His parents taught him Finnish but his mother tongue of course became Swedish.His degree was in economics but he only stayed in that field for a year. He wanted to see the world.He became an oil driller in Canada, the U.S. and Venezuela.It was hard work for six months and then he had six months off, during which he travelled extensively. He told me there was a lot of "women wine and song".

He worked as a guard at the old Don Jail for awhile but left again. He finally settled in Toronto and retired from the new Don Jail at 62.

Kari took up a lot of space, not only because of his strong 6'6" frame and his low voice, but also because his powerful personality. He had strong opinions and convictions and was not shy in expressing them. Despite his politically incorrect jokes he always rooted for the underdog.

He was very knowledgeable in many subjects, especially history, finances,world affairs and sports.He loved to watch hockey, socker, baseball, basketball and tennis.He also had an excellent sense of direction.When we visited a foreign country he just bought a map and told me which bus, streetcar or subway we would take to where we were going, and I just followed him like a doggie. Besides Finland and Sweden we travelled down south every winter.We spent a week in twelve different European cities. Kari was certainly also into fitness.He went to the gym or jogged just about every day of his life until his mid sixties when his heart started giving him problems. He was still okay until the start of covid when he got sepsis. After that his health slowly started to deteriorate.

In Scandinavian custom there never is viewing. Per Kari's wishes, there will only be private cremation, no funeral. He wanted me to throw a couple of parties in his honour, and that is what I intend to do.

If desired, donations in Kari's name can be made to Covenant House, a charity we have supported close to thirty years.

I have already heard from most people I know but if there is anyone else or to just share a memory,please contact www.giffenmackdanforth.com.

.I miss you terribly Kari. G'natt min alskling!