Irene Turpin Salamon

Irene Turpin Salamon, age 85 years, of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital on Monday, September 8, 2014 with family and friends at her side. Irene was born October 17, 1928 in Maniwaki, Quebec and later came to Ontario at the age of 17 to work. A short time later she settled in Thunder Bay where she would go on to raise her three children. Family was everything to her and she was incredibly close with her seven siblings, especially her four sisters and is survived by only one now, Lina Menard. Irene was predeceased by all three of her children: Robert Gingras, Norman Gingras and Diane Gingras; however, she often remarked that God compensated for her great loss by giving her six grandchildren: Robert Barr Gingras, Robin Gingras, Tracy Pinet-Deley (Tyler Deley), Tyler Gingras, Jessica Gingras and Aiden Hokkanen. Later she met William Salamon, the love of her life, and they spent the past 43 years together. Irene loved his family as her own and gained a daughter (Brenda Clapp), a son-in-law (Donald Clapp), and two more grandchildren (Tammy Clapp) and (Christopher Clapp). Together, Irene and William would have successful businesses starting with Salamon Timber, Sal-Tur Timber, Foothills Timber and AAA Forestry Services Inc. whereby she was President of all. Their first sawmill started in Sapawe and later expanded to Atikokan. After selling the sawmill they purchased King's Motel in Thunder Bay. Irene was a proud and meticulous business woman who worked well past her retirement until 2012. When time permitted, Irene and William loved to go hunting, fishing and camping together. They would often bring their eight grandchildren along to enjoy days at camp or occasionally trips to Florida with them. Irene was a most gracious and generous spirit who loved to cook for her family, friends and even passersby. She will be greatly missed by countless family and friends as she touched so many lives. A celebration of Irene's life will be announced at a later date. On-line condolencesmay be made through www.nwfainc.com "