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BORN
1945
DIED
2016
Matti Rikkinen Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Matti Juhani Rikkinen announce his passing on Friday, September 2, 2016 at the age of 71, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
Matti was born in Riihimaki, Finland on June 21, 1945 to Aapo and Miriam Rikkinen. In 1950, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Port Arthur, Ontario. At a very young age, Matti became fascinated with cars and they became his lifelong passion. In 1962, Matti joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he was a Radio Communicator until leaving the service in 1973 when he joined External Affairs. As an Embassy Communicator, he enjoyed postings all over the world. Matti retired in 2000 and lived in Ottawa, Ontario until moving to Vancouver, British Columbia in 2008. He enjoyed retirement with family and friends in Vancouver – especially driving his Shelby GT500 up the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Matti is survived by his mother, Miriam, Brother Eric (Merja), Nephew Matti (Valentina), Niece Elsa (Colin) and his great nieces Taylor, Carlee, Celeste and Angelica. He was predeceased by his father Aapo in 1999. Cremation has taken place in Vancouver with internment to follow in Thunder Bay at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matti Rikkinen
28 Entries
Ed Styffe
January 13, 2019
Sad to just learn about Matti's passing. We were friends at Shuniah School in Port Arthur, On.Our family moved across town in 1959 and I lost touch with many grade school pals. However, they are not forgotten.I will always remember Matti as a very nice guy.My sincere if belated condolences to the family.Ed Styffe
Marty Byzewski
October 9, 2017
Matti and I go way way back to the early days in Thunder Bay. We had the same life pattern joining the RCN and becoming Radiomen Special. Our next step was on to External Affairs as Communicators and then retirement. We exchanged emails over the years and Its only today (Oct 9, 2017) that I was informed of his passing. Matti you were a wonderful poika! Marty Byzewski
Patsy Burnell (whelan)
January 27, 2017
Matti and I dated for a while in the late 60s. We lost touch for many years, and then about 10 or 12 years ago, I got an email from him. We stayed in touch by phone occasionally, but mostly on Facebook. I hadn't seen any posts nor any phone calls and wondered if he had gone to Finland to live. I was so sorry to see this obituary when I Googled his name. My condolences to his family. RIP Matti!Patsy Whelan burnell
Charlotte
January 15, 2017
ted parker
October 24, 2016
Hey Matti, old buddy. It would have been great for another weekly round of tea and muffins around the kitchen table like we did for years. Miss those days. Phyllis and I still think of you often. God bless.
Jennifer Lehman
September 28, 2016
Fair winds and calm seas Matti.
Jennifer Lehman
September 28, 2016
I worked with Matti and new him for 44 yrs. I considered him a great friend. My family and I will miss him greatly. R.I.P. Matti. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Don and Angie Lehman and family.
James Blair
September 27, 2016
Matti - we always had a good time together in the RCN I will miss your good nature and sense of humour.
Jim Blair
Yvonne Frank
September 21, 2016
My deepest condolences to Matti's family,especially his mother. I have warm memories of Matti going back some years and regret that we had lost touch. May he rest in peace.
Ray Lebeau
September 21, 2016
To all Family Members and Friends,
Members of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio (SUPRAD) System Oldtimer's Association were saddened by the news of Matti's passing. Friendships that were made and enjoyable times that were shared during Matti's loyal and dedicated service in the Royal Canadian Navy as a communicator (Radioman Special) will long be remembered. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
'Friends Forever'
Sam SIMARD
September 18, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family. This is a difficult time. Matti and I were friends in the military, he introduced me to my wife of 43 years. Rest in peace old friend. SAM
September 18, 2016
Rest in peace Matti. My condolences to family and friends.
Angel Sarzynski
Klaus Tiefenbrunner
September 17, 2016
Matti: Ystävyytemme alkoi Ankarassa vuonna 1976 ja se on jatkunut yli vuoden ja mailia. Voi teitä levätä rauhassa ystäväni. Kipis
Klaus Tiefenbrunner
Kemptville, Ont.
Rowland (Rollie) Fell
September 17, 2016
I served with and played hockey with Matti in Churchill 1965/66. We kept our dorm mates laughing while trading barbs at lights out. I wondered why I hadn't heard from him in a while. I for one will miss him. Rowland (Rollie) Fell. Ottawa
September 17, 2016
So sorry to hear of Matti's departure. I have known Matti since our time together in the RCN including such wonderful places as CFS Alert and then with Foreign Affairs.
No words can express my heartfelt sorry for you loss as well as a good friend.
Rest in peace Matti
73s VA e e
Bill Neelin
Glenn Cameron
September 17, 2016
Spent some concentrated time with Mattie in Ghana in the early 80's while the country was under martial law and curfew. You wouldn't think there would be much fun to be had in such circumstance but that was not the case. Matti had a zest for life.
He also valued his friends, even those who did not share all his views. You could always rely on him to challenge you with a contrary opinion no matter what the subject-all done in a spirit of loving friendship.
September 16, 2016
Very sad to learn this. I was wondering why he hadn't been on facebook for a while, was thinking he was on a trip to Finland again. Knew and liked him very much for decades and will miss him for a very long time
Gary Langille
Richard Burns
September 16, 2016
A sudden and unexpected passing. Enjoyed Matti's spirited viewpoint.
Ken Hoban
September 16, 2016
Rest in piece Matti. You will be missed.
Earl Acker
September 16, 2016
Extremely sad news, Matti was a great cm friend and was always there to help anyone. Rest now Matti.
John Kruithof
September 16, 2016
Very sorry to hear of Matti's passing.
HeleneAnna Goyette
September 16, 2016
As a communicator at Foreign Affairs, Matti was a colleague.
What a sense of humour...
To all the members of his family...
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Although it is difficult today to see beyond the pain, a look back at all the memories you shared with the love one, will allow you tomorrow to find a great comfort.
I know for sure that you never lose the person you love, even after his death.
It will continue to be present in all your thoughts, to participate in all your actions and all the decisions you will make.
Sinceres Condoleances.
Jim Fanning
September 16, 2016
Matti was a good friend throughout my career in Foreign Affairs. We differed on many subjects, but enjoyed our arguments, and remained fast friends throughout the years. Go well, Matti. You are missed already.
Nikki Laroche
September 16, 2016
I was sad and shocked to hear of Matti 's untimely passing. I met Matti in Ankara and reconnected with him to through Facebook. We have been communicating for a few years, with plans on visiting each other. Now I know why he went off the grid a couple of months ago. My condolences to his family. I have fond memories of Matti.
David Smith
September 15, 2016
Matti Rikkinen was my friend. My entire family had respect for this versatile man. A linguist, a traveller, with many great attributes. Both being in the RCN and Foreign Affairs, I learned a lot about Matti and his abilities to make one laugh. Blessed with a quick mind and an appreciation for so many interesting things in life.
His passing was a shock as we have lost a good friend and colleague. You and your keen mind will be missed very much.
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