PONTYNEN- Eero William Pontynen passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 31, 2018 at Hogarth Riverview Manor where he had resided since the summer of 2017.
Eero was born in Nakina, Ontario, on December 26, 1926, later moving to Long Lac where he grew up. After marrying Aune Helen Maja on May 16, 1950, they lived in Geraldton, Nipigon, and then moved to Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) in 1954, where they have lived since.
He worked for CN Rail for 42 years in various capacities including driving their passenger bus line, transport trucks and working in the office - but never on the trains!
Eero retired at the age of 58 to spend time with his family and young grandchildren and do the things he most loved in life: gardening and taking care of his yard, helping others with their odd jobs and puttering around his garage. In his younger years, Eero took on extra part time jobs such as delivering ice blocks for the C.L.E., driving gravel trucks and doing major and minor home renovations to provide for his family. Eero also enjoyed helping friends and family with their own projects, camping, fishing, blueberry picking and going on family road trips.
Eero lived with his wife, Aune, on S. Windemere Ave. in the lovely home he built for his family in 1958. Eero had wanted to remain in his home until his death, but sadly, Alzheimer’s robbed him of that wish. To be able to spend his last 10 months together with Aune at Hogarth was a blessing.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Aune; sister, Helen Lapenskie; daughter, Linda Godeski; son, Raymond and daughter-in-law, Donna; dearly loved grandchildren, Jason and Jeremy Pontynen; Laura (Godeski) Donohue (Ryan); and Michael Godeski (Jeannine, Casey).
Eero was predeceased by his father, Emil (1945); mother, Ida (1976); brothers, Arvi (1955) and Allan (2011); and son-in-law, Michael Godeski (2015).
The family would like to thank the staff at Hogarth, Spruce Wing, for their caring and compassionate care of Eero during his months there.
Eero was a quiet, hardworking, independent (and sometimes stubborn) Finlander and he will be greatly missed.
If friends so desire, donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay would be greatly appreciated.
Private interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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