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BORN
1933
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
George Oja Obituary
Mr. George Oja, 81 years of age, of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2015 with his wife by his side.
George (Yrjo) was born in Haapajarvi, Finland on Friday, October 13, 1933. Arriving in Canada in 1954, he made Port Arthur his lifelong home. He married Pirkko Niemi in 1957 and cherished his two children Leo and Leila. Yrjo-Pappa was proud of his grandchildren Tanya, Terry, and Torin. He achieved Regional Master Salesmen Status with the Chrysler Sales Guild before retiring in 1999 and made a real connection with many people while working at Lakehead Motors for 25 years.
George was a genuine individual who enjoyed the uncomplicated things in life. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing chess, and watching boxing. He was musically inclined and loved playing the accordion and singing with the Otava Choir. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies at Robin's.
Known to many as "Uncle George," he was a well-liked person who made friends easily, and people enjoyed his sense of humour and special talents. He will be sadly missed by Pirkko, his wife of 57 years, his son Leo (Anita), his daughter Leila (Terry), and grandchildren Tanya (Leaf), Terry Jr. and Torin. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law Paul Niemi, his daughters Cheryl (Keith), Darlene (Mike), and Gayle (Dave), numerous family members and special friends here in Canada and many nieces and nephews in Finland.
George was predeceased by his parents, Hilda and Juho Hirvasoja, his brothers Veikko, Sven, Paavo Hirvasoja, and sisters Rauha, Siiri, and Anneli in Finland, and sister-in-law Marlene Niemi in Canada.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland officiated by Pastor Jari Lahtinen of Hilldale Lutheran Church. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the time of service. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in George's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
www.harbourviewfuneral.ca
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Memories and Condolences
for George Oja
Sponsored by Harbourview Funeral Centre.
15 Entries
Bruce Pajunen
February 20, 2015
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father Leila. My condolences to yourself and family.
Gordon C Belanger
February 15, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about GEORGE. I met George back in 1977 and bought my first vehicle from Him. I ended up buying a total of four vehicles. George was a great person and i will miss him.
Chris Delaney
February 14, 2015
I am sorry to hear this news. I only met George a few times but remember him fondly. We have the family in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Chris and Shannon Delaney
Maija Sarkka
February 14, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Oja family.
Leila, your dad's memory is one of a Warm and gentle man with a great sense of humor.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Dominic Fimognari
February 13, 2015
I worked with George at Lakehead Motors and remember him as a kind and gentle man. I enjoyed his stories and his words of wisdom made me a better sales person. We will all miss you, George.My condolences to the family.
Dave Stevens
February 13, 2015
I worked with George for several years at Lakehead Motors!I always remember his words of wisdom and his great sense of humour!A very well respected gentleman!My condolences to all family members and close friends!
February 13, 2015
When my Mom was looking for a car in 1985, we were surprised she chose to go to Lakehead Motors, as we had never driven their models before. She was very impressed with George; when he came out and helped her get it started on a cold saturday morning in a parking lot a few weeks later, we were all impressed with George. He sold our family over a half dozen vehicles until he retired, and my Dad always enjoyed taking George for breakfast, even after retirement. He was the best at customer service I've ever seen. Our family's condolences to yours at this time.
Harold Wilson
February 13, 2015
Many condolences. I will always remember him as a very kind and devoted man. Even though he will be greatly missed, always keep all the wonderful memories in your hearts.
Take care.
Many hugs.
Darlene Gregory
Shelly Hopkins
February 12, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
February 12, 2015
Pirkko, Leo, Leila and families - We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and pappa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. George will be remembered fondly. Kathy Maenpaa and boys.
February 12, 2015
Pirkko,Leo and Leila: My heart goes out too you all ,George was a very special guy and had the respect of many .George will be sadly missed but never forgotten ! Larry Zelinsky
February 12, 2015
George,you and I spent one old winter trucking at Hemlo,but we had a lot of good memories and we'd relive and laugh about them at Robins,hyvasti Yryo. Toivo Ruuska
Diana Spooner-Roman
February 12, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
February 12, 2015
Pirkko ja perheesi
Otamme osaa suruunne
Elma ja Jorma Sarkijarvi
February 11, 2015
Pirkko, Leo, Leila...I am so sorry for the loss of husband, father, uncle and friend to many. I remember Uncle George from so many years ago. I wish I was closer so I was able to attend the service. My thought and prayers are with you all during this time. Tarja (Hirvasoja) Laverdiere
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Memorial Events
for George Oja
Feb
13
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Harbourview Funeral Centre499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9
Feb
13
Funeral services provided by:
Harbourview Funeral Centre499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9