THE CHRONICLE JOURNAL FOR THURSDAY AND SATURDAY WITH PHOTO

Mr. Gary Wayne Oja, age 64 years, passed away unexpectedly at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on April 22, 2018. Gary was born in Geraldton, Ontario on December 15, 1953 and raised and educated in Thunder Bay. He attended Algonquin Public School, Hammarskjold High School, and obtained a Degree of Bachelor of Science on May 25, 1991 at Lakehead University. He was employed by the Ministry of the Environment/Ontario Clean Water Agency in water and waste water, retiring on August 8, 2007. During his employment he held various positions including Operator, Senior Operator, Assistant Manager, Acting Operations Manager and Acting Manager in the Northwest Hub. He commenced his employment in Atikokan followed by Ear Falls, Red Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and ending in Terrace Bay. Gary was well liked by all co-workers and was always willing to take on new initiatives. After retirement he returned to Thunder Bay. During retirement he worked part-time as a consultant and instructor in water and waste water for Keewaytinook Center of Excellence in Dryden. Gary is survived by his sister Darlene Kormano (Pekka) of Atlanta, Georgia, aunt Bertha and brother Ronald. Other relatives in Thunder Bay, Geraldton, Edmonton and Port Alberni, British Columbia also survive. He was predeceased by his parents Laila an John and his brother Brian. Gary was a very private person who made friends throughout his life and was a friend of Bill W. for thirty-four years. Gary enjoyed volunteering that included the Community Income Tax Program and the Air Cadet League of Canada. Gary had a keen passion for vehicles, primarily his 1992 Buick Regal Sport which was stored each winter. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street with Pastor Jari Lahtinen presiding. The interment at Riverside Cemetery will follow the reception in the Sargent Family Reception Center. Visitation for friends will be held on Sunday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Chapel. Should friends so desire memorials to Suomi Koti of Thunder Bay would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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