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BORN
1944
DIED
2020
Valdu Onnis Obituary
It is with profound sadness, the family announces the loss of Valdu Onnis, who passed peacefully at home, in Thunder Bay ON on November 17, 2020. On his final days, he was surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his loving wife, Claudette (Boulet), daughters Tonya Anton (Travis) and Angie Goulet (Marco). Grandsons Alex and Noah Goulet, Jakob and Carter Anton. Sisters Viive Brett (Ed) and Silvi Hall (Rick), as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Jakob and Leida Onnis, and his brother Vahur Onnis.
Valdu was born in Lumunda, Estonia on September 3rd, 1944, during WW2. Estonia was overtaken by Russia when Valdu was only six months old, forcing his family to flee to Sweden. The family took refuge at a camp for displaced people for six years before being sponsored by a family in Canada. The Onnis's finally settled in small town Geraldton, ON where Valdu attended school and made wonderful lifelong friends. In his teenage years Valdu attended GCHS and was well known for his track and field records that still remain unbroken. Valdu met the love of his life, Claudette in 1966 and were married June 1968. They had over 52 wonderful years together, and for most of those years, resided in Longlac ON. Valdu worked for Kimberly Clark, and held many positions during his 32 years with the company. In his retirement years he found a new calling to occupy his time, working as a guard, at the Greenstone OPP detachment. Valdu was a family man, and time with his loved ones was very important to him. So many wonderful memories were made, whether it was family trips, time spent at their summer camp, fishing, or hockey tournaments with his grandsons. Valdu was an avid curler and participated in bonspiels and cash spiels. He loved travelling and was always planning their next vacation. Spring was spent in Florida, at St. Pete's beach condo, and enjoying cruises that took him and Claudette all over the world. Many times family joined them for the annual trips.
The family would like to thank Dr. Acedillo and the renal unit, Dr. MacDonald, Dr. Nigro, ICU team, St. Joseph's staff on 2 North and all the numerous providers who were a part of Valdu's care. We are extremely grateful to the palliative care team, Dr. Davis, Sherri Henderson, Calvin Pelletier NP, and the LHIN who assisted with fulfilling our wishes to have Valdu home for his final days. Thank you to all who have reached out to us with messages, calls, care packages, food deliveries and flowers. It is very much appreciated during a very difficult time, grieving the loss, of a wonderful man. As per Valdu's wishes, no services will be held.
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Memories and Condolences
for Valdu Onnis
30 Entries
Len and Carol Strehlow
November 25, 2020
Condolences to Claudette. Viivi, Silvi and the entire Onnis family. I have many memories of Valdu as a teamate and school mate. An outstanding competitor. " Put some spungoly on it Valdu."
Anne Ramsay
November 24, 2020
Dear Claudette, Viivi, Silvi and families
I have wonderful fond memories of your brothers Valdu and Vahur in their teens hanging out with my brother Ed. I just want you to know that I understand your grief and my heart is with each of you.
Thank you for sharing Valdu with our family.
My sympathy
Annie (kolody) Ramsay
Kathryn Bill
November 24, 2020
My deepest condolences to Claudette and the rest of the family. Valdu was a true gentleman.
Betty & Michael Crawford
November 22, 2020
Claudette and family,
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family on hearing of Valdu's passing. May the love of family and friends help you along in this next journey through life without Valdu by your side. He will be missed by many.
Betty & Michael Crawford Lakefield ON
Tom & Carol Burns
November 22, 2020
I am gifted to have known such a gentleman as Valdu. I remember his track & field accomplishments, especially his around- the-world on the high bar, and as a basketball teammate. He will be missed by many. Claudette, Viivi and Sylvi - our thoughts go out to you.
Betty Anne Nurse (nee: Vaudrin) & Nelson Nurse
November 22, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sincere condolences on Valdu's passing. We remember him from High School days in Geraldton. A gentle & beautiful soul is now in God's house.
Nancy and Serge Clair (White)
November 22, 2020
Hi Joe... so sad to hear about your loss !!! Thinking of you and your family!!!!My fondest memory of Valdo is him catching me in our Gymnastic proformance upstairs in the Curling Club!!! What a gentle soul !!!!If you need anything please call!!! 6274227!!!
Magella and Lucille Dumais
November 22, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Mitch and Sharon Kennedy
November 22, 2020
Claudette
We are very sorry to hear about Valdu. We will always remember him as a very kind and gentle man. We wish you and your family strength and good health during this profoundly sad and difficult time.
Mitch and Sharon Kennedy, Belleville, Ontario
Danielle Berard
November 22, 2020
I wanted to express my deepest condolences during this sad time. I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My condolences.
Adele Henry
November 21, 2020
Dear Claudette and family. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Take care. Hugs Adele
Bev McKerracher
November 21, 2020
My condolences to the family. Remember the brothers from high school days.
Doreen Pelletier & Russ Waboose
November 21, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the family on your loss. Keep his memory alive and he will always be close. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sarah & Keith Lange
November 21, 2020
So sorry for your loss Claudette and family! You have all your great memories that you and your children and grandchildren have made. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time, RIP Valdu!
Barb Dearle Davison
November 21, 2020
I remember how his smile lit up and shone on whoever and wherever he was. Geraldton & Longlac are better for his presence. Peace Claudette and all his family.
Barry Connell
November 21, 2020
It’s a sad time for me too. i went to school with Valdu, Vahur, Viive, Silve and Claudette. I have fond memories of those days in Geraldton. My thoughts are with you (Claudette, Silve, Viive). Barry
Garry Johnson
November 21, 2020
Claudette, Viivi & Silvi. So sorry for your loss. Words alone cannot begin to fill the void left with Valdu’s passing, but words are all I have. All I can do is express my heartfelt condolence and assure you that I am thinking of you.
Reeves Family
November 21, 2020
Condolences from the Reeves family, Enid, Niall and Peter.
Lloyd & Gayle Rehel
November 21, 2020
We were very saddened to hear of Valdu's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. We will keep you in our prayers. We were honoured to have known Valdu and his family. You have so many great memories of your family life together.....they will ease your pain somewhat however it never really goes away. Thining of each of you at this time...........God Bless
Ethel Mae Connell
November 21, 2020
Claudette so sorry to hear of Valdu’s passing. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Sincerely, Ethel Mae (McKillican) & Bill Connell.Ethel Mae
Rick Groulx
November 21, 2020
Dearest Claudette, Tonya & Angie, & Grandchildren, Viive & Silvi,
So sad to hear of Valdu's passing. Fond childhood memories of our days in Pine Ridge. Valdu was a special person and always a man o look up to. Sending hugs across the miles.
Rick & Arvalla Groulx
Gwen Roberts
November 21, 2020
All the fun memories especially at camp, Ty and Wade's first water skiing, fishing , using the sauna. Thanks Valdu and Claudette.
Ginette
November 21, 2020
My sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your loved husband Valdu, also a father, a grandfather ! I am all heart with you!
Willy
November 21, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Donna Turner
November 21, 2020
I went to school with Valdu and always thought he was a wonderful young man who was kind, helpful and polite to his classmates. I would like to offer my condolences to his family on his passing. He was a true gentleman, Donna Demytruk Turner.
Warren Kerr
November 21, 2020
After returning to Geraldton I got to know and appreciate Valdu as I worked with him as a guard with the local OPP detachment. I found him to be a kind and generous person who enjoyed life in general and specifically his family. It was always great to enjoy a coffee and conversation with him. He will be missed.
Patti Wylie Clouter
November 21, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Heaven has gained another angel. RIP Valdu!
Angie Goulet
November 21, 2020
Angie Goulet
November 21, 2020
You will be missed and loved forever Dad ❤ Thank you for the wonderful life, you raised me with love, strength and kindness, a perfect example of what a father should be. I hope you are celebrating with Uncle Vah, and I am sending all my love, until we meet again ❤
Michele Borsa
November 21, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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