KELLY PAAKKUNAINEN

KELLY PAAKKUNAINEN
With profound sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of Kelly Paakkunainen on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Kelly was a devoted husband and a proud dad whose world revolved around his family.

Born in Nipigon, Ontario, on April 14, 1978, Kelly was a beloved son, brother, husband, dad, cousin, nephew, and friend. Above all else, Kelly's heart belonged to his wife Amanda, and their children, Tyson and Lucy. They were truly his whole world.

Although Kelly often said he preferred the quiet of the bush and was not one for social settings, he was surrounded by friends who will forever remember his gift of storytelling, his sharp wit, his brilliant mind, and his quiet but memorable way of "telling it like it is." For a man who would often joke that he did not like people, he was "everyone's best man."

Kelly's greatest devotion in life was to his family. To Tyson and Lucy, he wasn't just a dad he was the best dad ever, their biggest cheerleader and constant presence. They were his entire world. Amanda would often encourage him to take a break from work, but the only time he ever stepped away was when it came to his kids. Whether it was hockey school for Tyson or music lessons for Lucy, Kelly was always there never missing a practice, a game, a tournament, a concert, or any celebration that mattered to them. Music held a special place in his heart, and one of his greatest joys was sharing that love with Lucy. His playlists stretched from Dean Martin to Pantera, and he delighted in passing that passion on. At home and camp, Kelly often joked about the endless "to-do list" Amanda had for him, but more often than not, she didn't even need to ask, things were already done before she could say a word. His quiet, steady way of showing love was making sure Amanda, Tyson, and Lucy had everything they could ever want or need. They were, and always would be, his number one commitment.

Kelly was deeply committed to his work. Most recently, he served as Band Manager for Red Rock Indian Band, his First Nation. He had a strong vision for how he and his team could help the community grow, and he worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality. Kelly never sought recognition for his work, preferring to credit his accomplishments to those around him. Prior to this role, he dedicated more than 20 years to Nipigon Township, where he began as a rink rat and worked his way up to become CAO. This dedication was a testament to Kelly's character, his work ethic, and his deep commitment to serving others.

Kelly had a lifelong love for sports and physical activity. He played softball and hockey for many years, worked out daily, and dedicated countless hours to training youth in hockey, always giving freely of his time and energy.

Kelly was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy on the land. He loved hunting with Amanda's dad, John, Uncle Spiner, and Uncle Bob, all of whom he credited with teaching him everything he knew about hunting. He shared everything he learned about hunting with Tyson. He never left home without his hunting buddy. Kelly loved his bush rides with Lucy (sometimes behind the wheel) to hours spent fishing with Amanda and Tyson, Kelly cherished his time outdoors. His recent purchase with Amanda of a camp on Polly Lake quickly became his favourite place, a true reflection of his love for family, nature, and simple joys.

Kelly was generous with his time and energy, always the first to help others, yet never asking for help himself. From childhood, helping hang clothes on the line and wash dishes (often eating the suds) to adulthood, his giving nature shone through. He also volunteered for years with the Nipigon Elks Association, bringing joy to children by helping create haunted houses on Halloween.

Kelly is survived by his loving wife Amanda, his daughter Lucy, and son Tyson. He will be deeply missed by his parents Betty Toth (Les Toth) and John Paakkunainen Sr., his brother John Paakkunainen Jr. (Carolyn), his in-laws John and Mary Blakely, and brother-in-law Justin Blakely. He also leaves behind a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Nora and Bruce Cote, Sulho and Sinikka Paakkunainen, his niece Emma Paakkunainen, two brothers in infancy, his uncles Spiner, Bucky, and Uncle Bob, and Grandma Jane. We take comfort knowing he is sitting with them now, sharing stories as only Kelly could.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the many friends and family who surrounded them during this difficult time, the firekeepers, those who dropped off food, and everyone who sent their love and well wishes.

A celebration of Kelly's life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Lake Helen Powwow Grounds, with a luncheon to follow. In memory of Kelly's deep love for children and his dedication to helping youth, donations may be made to Canadian Tire Jump Start Nipigon Branch, an organization he personally supported and believed in.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca