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BORN
1947
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Rauno Tornquist Obituary
1947-2019
With great sadness we announce the passing of Rauno Kari Mattias Tornquist on Saturday June 1, 2019 with family by his side. Rauno fought a lengthy battle against ALS with an immeasurable amount of strength, courage and dignity, keeping his sense of humour until the last day.
Rauno was born in Turku, Finland on February 16, 1947 and immigrated with family to Canada in 1951. They settled in the Kaministiquia Community where he first met his wife Raija. He attended MacDonald Public School and graduated in the first grade 13 class of Hammarskjold High School.
Rauno spent the majority of his career (29 years) at the Ministry of Transportation as a Photogrammetrist. Highlights of his career were spent travelling up North to remote stations which included flying to communities and engaging with the locals. Rauno then retired at the age of 50 from MTO and to his enjoyment he continued to work casually for Thunder Bay Testing. He was a huge help with the establishment of the family gravel business. Rauno's hobbies included carpentry, hunting, fishing, camping, listening to music and socializing with family and friends.
Rauno is survived by his loving wife Raija of 51 years, daughter Cindy (Jari) Asunmaa, son Ronnie (Viola) Tornquist, sisters Arja (George) Puurunen and Benita (Brian) Backlund and their families. He will also be remembered by his beloved grandchildren Jesse (Meghan), Maria (Daryl), Abbie (Creighton) and Emily as well as his Mother-in-law Eini Jussinoja and numerous extended family in Canada and Finland. Rauno had many close friends and will be deeply missed by those who knew him well. His family would like to acknowledge honorary pallbearers, George Puurunen, Leonard Throuwer and Jim Ovenstone.
Predeceased by his parents Matti and Kaino, nephew Ryan, and father-in-law Toivo.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday June 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Dog River Cemetery.
If desired donations to the ALS Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rauno Tornquist
Sponsored by Harbourview Funeral Centre.
8 Entries
Nancy Harju
June 7, 2019
Sincere sympathy to all of you from all of the Niemi family I have so many memories growing up just across the Strawberry Creek may he rest in peace
Paula Ojala
June 6, 2019
My sincere condolences to the entire family. The good memories will keep him in your hearts forever.
Eric Puurunen
June 6, 2019
Sorry to hear of Rauno's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Eric Puurunen
Taisto Puurunen
June 5, 2019
Raija, my deepest condolences to you and your family in your time of sorrow.
May God be with you.
Allan Albrecht
June 5, 2019
In memory of a MTO fellow colleague and friend years ago.
Lord, let your presence brighten the night
Till the last sunrise; then in your might,
Pardon and spare me,
Summon and bear me
Homeward at last.
Tina Guzzell
June 4, 2019
Raija, So sorry to hear about Rauno's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you His strength and His peace now and in the weeks to come.
Stacy Grieve
June 4, 2019
So very sorry for the passing of Rauno. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Tornquist family.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Memorial Events
for Rauno Tornquist
Jun
7
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Harbourview Funeral Centre499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9
Jun
7
Funeral services provided by:
Harbourview Funeral Centre499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9