Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
GARY SALONEN Obituary
The family of Gary Bernard Salonen sadly announce his peaceful passing at the age of 86 on December 27th, 2024 after a long battle with COPD. He was born February 3, 1938 in Port Arthur, Ontario. Gary attended Queen Elizabeth, Cornwall and Oliver Road Public Schools, graduated from Port Arthur Technical and Commercial (Hillcrest) high school in 1956, and Confederation College in 1989. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Josie (nee Chemko) on September 13, 1958. His work career included positions with Northern Wood Preservers, Allan's Auto Glass (Speedy Glass), and St. Joseph's Care Group (Heritage) from where he retired. Gary joined the Port Arthur Jaycees and became President and eventually a Senator. He was a long-time active member of Trinity United Church, and for many years volunteered at Shelter House. With Josie, he enjoyed working on weekend "Marriage Encounters" and "Engaged Encounters" at Avila Centre. They also liked to travel, having visited all ten Canadian Provinces, countries within Europe, and warm destinations. Gary is survived by his loving wife Josie and their three children: Linda (Gary Schmidt) of Nelson, BC; Lisa (Bobby Peterson) of Sioux Lookout, David (Marie Holtved) of Kitchener, grandchildren Ben, Adam and Erika Schmidt, great granddaughter Eva Schmidt, all of Nelson, BC, brother Bill (Linda) of Dryden, nephew Richard and niece Deb of Kitchener. He was predeceased by his father Arvo, mother Katie, sister Susan, and son Richard in infancy. A service to celebrate the life of Gary will be held Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Church. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Trinity United Church Memorial, or to a Charity of Your Choice. Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com at Northwest Funeral Alternative.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GARY SALONEN
Sponsored by Northwest Funeral Alternative.
9 Entries
Brook Kell
February 9, 2025
You and Gary made such a good team Josie. My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this very sad time.
Joanne Kranyak
January 8, 2025
Josie and family,
Sincere condolences in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I will always remember Gary as a kind, caring man who had time for everyone. Thinking of you all, and keeping you in my prayers at this difficult time.
The Marsh Family
January 2, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. He was a great, gentle man.
Peter bentz
January 1, 2025
Josie. Please accept our heartfelt sorrow at your loss. Our prayers are offered to you and Gary.peter and Judy.
Dennis Craig
January 1, 2025
I met Gary when starting high school in 1952. We became good friends shortly there after. He was the most sincere friend I have ever had. I regret my job took me away many years past which robbed me of more time we could have enjoyed together.
Fern Cupertino ,ScheidererNee-Neumann
December 31, 2024
My heart still beats strong,filled with LOVE for all the main Salonen's GARY his loves, Wonderful wife
Josie,daughter Linda and her love,Lisa and her love,and David and his love! I use the LOVE word regularly because my husband Phillip taught me how to show your LOVE, even though he's been in heaven over 30 years now! Keep your family in your heart, and you'll never be alone!Talk sometime, when you're more comfortable! Love your cousin Fern! Love you all!
Teena Backen
December 31, 2024
Josie and family - my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Gary. I worked with Gary at Allan´s Auto Glass from approximately 1969 to 1972. He was a wonderful person to work with. A very easy going person. In fact he was the one that got me into bookkeeping which I hadn´t done since school. When I got married in 1971, Gary was the one who said grace at our reception. I have not seen him in many years but thought of him often and wondered what had become of him. R.I.P. Gary
Teena (Ferguson) Backen
Ab Filipovic
December 31, 2024
Deepest condolences to Josie, brother Bill and families on the passing of Gary...so may great memories from our younger years growing up in Port Arthur....you never forget the good ones...Ab and Martha Filipovic
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in GARY SALONEN's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for GARY SALONEN
Funeral services provided by:
Northwest Funeral Alternative428 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8