Raimo Olavi Merilainen

Mr. Raimo Olavi Merilainen, age 68 years, passed away in St. Joseph's Hospice with his family by his side, after a brave battle with cancer, on October 29, 2001. Born in Halsua, Finland on October 6, 1933, he moved to Canada and Port Arthur in 1957. Raimo was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, he enjoyed gardening, reading and music. Raimo had been employed by Langen's Glass Service where he eventually became a partner. He also worked at the Royalton Hotel for several years and most recently at Lauri's Hardware on Bay Street. Raimo is lovingly remembered by his wife of 21 years Gladys, sons Ari (Susan), Ray (Stephanie) and daughter Melissa, Jari and daughter Stacey, of Thunder Bay and son Kari (Karen) of Leduc, Alberta. Also survived by grandchildren Dylan, Tiffany, Melissa, Ben and Matt, as well as brother Reijo (Kirsti) Merilainen, and sisters; Ritva (Heimo) Pihlajamaa in Finland, Reetta (Carol) Wistbacka, and Rakel Merilainen (Paavo Karppanen). Also survived by numerous family and friends in Thunder Bay, Finland, and Sweden. Predeceased by his mother Anna, father Alvar in Finland, first wife Paivi in 1979, son Roy in 1972 and daughter Liisa at birth in 1983. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 2, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel 21 N. Court Street, with Rev. Jari Lahtinen of Hilldale Lutheran Church officiating. All services complete in the chapel. Visitation for friends will be Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Home. Should friends desire donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated."