Obituary for Leslie Arnold Oikonen
Leslie Arnold Oikonen, age 96, passed away at Roseview Manor on April 3, 2022.
Les was a lifetime resident of Thunder Bay, he attended Prospect Elementary School and Port Arthur Technical High School until enlisting at age 18 in the Canadian Air Force in June 1944, transferring to the Canadian Armed Forces in January 1945. He was a proud veteran and Branch 5 Legion member. After finishing his tour of duty with the Armed Forces he returned to work for his father in the family business, Oikonen’s Taxi until in 1951 when he began working for the City of Port Arthur (Thunder Bay). Les worked in the Stores and Purchasing Departments for 37 years, retiring in 1988.
Les was a man respected and loved by everyone. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Camping was a favourite summer pastime with the Grady’s, Douglas’, Kreloves’ and Rosengren's; setting up a tent or trailer in almost every campground in Northwestern Ontario. He enjoyed golfing but curling was his passion. Over the years Les travelled throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Florida but his favourite getaway was his camp at Pebbly Beach where many saunas were lit, many drinks were shared with the best of friends and many moments were enjoyed around the beach bonfire. Pebbly Beach was truly his happy place. Family and friends were very important to Les. He loved us all and we loved him more.
Les is lovingly remembered by his son David (Ursula), his daughter-in-law Sherry, grandchildren Kirsti (Doug), Kristian (Janis), Kevin (Danielle), Kyle, Lucas (Sheila) and great grandsons Duncan and Lincoln.
Les was predeceased by his first wife Ella in 1995, his son Tim in 2017 and his second wife Helvi in 2018; his parents William and Alma Oikonen and three brothers Henry, Allan and Ahti; in-laws Eero and Martta Tarkka and brothers-in-law Eino and Elmer Tarkka and special nephew Billie Oikonen.
The family would like to thank the compassionate and dedicated staff of Roseview Manor Renaissance Unit. Les loved you all.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the Chapel at Sargent and Son presided by Pastor Jari Lahtinen, reception to follow. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers should friends desire donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 or Hilldale Lutheran Church.
Les was a lifetime resident of Thunder Bay, he attended Prospect Elementary School and Port Arthur Technical High School until enlisting at age 18 in the Canadian Air Force in June 1944, transferring to the Canadian Armed Forces in January 1945. He was a proud veteran and Branch 5 Legion member. After finishing his tour of duty with the Armed Forces he returned to work for his father in the family business, Oikonen’s Taxi until in 1951 when he began working for the City of Port Arthur (Thunder Bay). Les worked in the Stores and Purchasing Departments for 37 years, retiring in 1988.
Les was a man respected and loved by everyone. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Camping was a favourite summer pastime with the Grady’s, Douglas’, Kreloves’ and Rosengren's; setting up a tent or trailer in almost every campground in Northwestern Ontario. He enjoyed golfing but curling was his passion. Over the years Les travelled throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Florida but his favourite getaway was his camp at Pebbly Beach where many saunas were lit, many drinks were shared with the best of friends and many moments were enjoyed around the beach bonfire. Pebbly Beach was truly his happy place. Family and friends were very important to Les. He loved us all and we loved him more.
Les is lovingly remembered by his son David (Ursula), his daughter-in-law Sherry, grandchildren Kirsti (Doug), Kristian (Janis), Kevin (Danielle), Kyle, Lucas (Sheila) and great grandsons Duncan and Lincoln.
Les was predeceased by his first wife Ella in 1995, his son Tim in 2017 and his second wife Helvi in 2018; his parents William and Alma Oikonen and three brothers Henry, Allan and Ahti; in-laws Eero and Martta Tarkka and brothers-in-law Eino and Elmer Tarkka and special nephew Billie Oikonen.
The family would like to thank the compassionate and dedicated staff of Roseview Manor Renaissance Unit. Les loved you all.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the Chapel at Sargent and Son presided by Pastor Jari Lahtinen, reception to follow. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers should friends desire donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 or Hilldale Lutheran Church.