Olavi Hirvonen

Some 40 years ago our son and daughter-in-law introduced us to Lapland Lake which was a wonderful nature escape from Staten Island. We spent wonderful summers, falls and winters there. Our favorite was in the fall when the leaves were radiant and hiking at a premium. Ann was always supportive of our many forays into nature and Olavi too care of the resort lovingly and meticulously. We probably stayed in almost all of the cabins there at one time and found peace and serenity within its...

We spent many happy vacations at Lapland, skiing in the winter and hiking and swimming in Woods Lake in the summer. Our thoughts are with Ann, Leila, and the entire family. We can still see Olavi ski-jouring behind one of his reindeer. Rest in Peace.

Olavi and Ann were the best hosts ever when we came to visit to ski annually and still do; even spent 2 different summer vacations at Lapland Lake. Olavi was a wonderfully warm person who was always interested to have a chat and get to know us. Our heart and thoughts go out to Ann and his family at this time. When we visit again in February we will be sure to ski Olavi's way and toast him fondly. Joanne and David Magavern

I met Olavi at Lapand Lake in December, 1978. I was new to x-country skiing and the conditions were hard and fast. He introduced me to klister. I continued to ski there until we moved to Rochester recently. In the early days I would bring him homemade beer and he would give me some game to eat. He was a good man and Lapland became a major part of my life.

We loved visiting lapland lake in the summer with our 4 little children. It is some of our happiest family memories. Olavi will always be remembered with kindness.

On behalf of all OC XC skiers, thank you to Olavi and Ann for all the wonderful years we skied at Lapland Lake. Mary Prindle

Olavi was a unique lovable character. I have many fond memories from Lapland. I was deciding on which ski boots to choose. Red or black. He assured me I needed to get the red ones, red is faster!