Kimmo Innanen Obituary

KIMMO ALBIN INNANEN P.Eng (Aeronautics, Toronto), MSc (Applied Mathematics, Waterloo). PhD (Astronomy, Toronto), Honourary Doctorate, University of Turku, Finland, Professor Emeritus, York University, Toronto, Dean Emeritus, York University, Toronto It is with infinite sadness and regret that we announce the unexpected passing of our most beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Kim Innanen at Sunnybrook Hospital on August 3, 2011, after 74 trips around the sun, as he liked to describe a person's age. Kim was born to Finnish parents, Albin and Fanny Innanen at Kirkland Lake, Ontario on March 12, 1937. At an early age, his family moved to Toronto to ensure that the boys had access to a good education, of which they both took full advantage. The family was involved with the strong Finnish community here and Finnish connections were kept up, Kim's fluency in the Finnish language helping a great deal. His research in classical mechanics, relating to galactic astronomy and later to planetary astronomy, brought him together with Finnish astronomers at the universities of Helsinki and Turku. His contributions to the field were recognized there by the awarding of an honourary degree from the University of Turku and the naming of Asteroid 1941HJ, Asteroid Innanen. He was proud and delighted to be so honoured and we, his family, knowing that he well deserved it, were too. His continued research with his colleagues, up until this year, has contributed greatly to the knowledge of Trojan asteroids and near earth bodies. His love and support of his family, his love of his research and teaching, of classical music and marching bands, of reading, especially history, of travelling with his family, of tennis and skiing and of cottage life with all its back-to-the-land responsibilities like wood chopping and the truly Finnish sauna, were boundless. His liberal sprinkling of his conversation with puns, often causing groans but always enjoyed; his ability to solve any household problem, be it electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or any other; and his ability to discuss and pass on all this knowledge to the family were so appreciated. Our lives feel empty without him. Always loved and forever missed, Sandra, Sally (Jozsef), Kristopher (Kate), Andrew (Tara), Rebekah, Holly, Adrian, Kristin and brother Veikko. Friends may call on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 11 a.m. at Agricola Finnish Lutheran Church (25 Old York Mills Road). As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, York Central Hospital Foundation (in Richmond Hill), or the charity of your choice. Condolences www.rskane.ca

Published by Toronto Star on Aug. 6, 2011.

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Memories and Condolences
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I had the pleasure of taking an Introduction to Astronomy class at York University taught by Professor Innanen in 1977. Although I didn't pursue a career in the Sciences that single course is the one that I look back on with the fondest of memories. Not only was Professor Innanen a brilliant scientist, he was a true gentleman.

Richard Jones

School

December 2, 2022

We were saddened to hear about the death of our good friend Kimmo Innanen. He will be remembered by us as a person of great character, and as a foremost scientist. In his second home country Finland Kimmo made many good friends, and enriched our lives in many ways. Kimmo was at heart a very kind individual and took a keen interest in assisting others. We miss his gracious and generous spirit.

Kathleen and Mauri Valtonen & family

September 5, 2011

We'll cherish the fine memories of Kimmo and treasure them into our hearts. Our thoughts are with Sandra and the family in this time of grief. We express our warm condolences.

Seppo Mikkola & family

August 9, 2011

Wishing you all Love, Strength and the Happiness of Great Memories at this time. Our condolences to everyone who had the wonderful opportunity to know Kim, always remembered when looking at the Stars! Love the Keates, Ed, Sheri, Cassie and Eddie.

Edward Keates

August 9, 2011

Having been inspired by Kim's work, published in a spirit of sharing with Canadians in Canadian journals, I was glad to work with him by email and engage with a kind and helpful soul in exploring the universe. The perception was confirmed when we finally met. We recently carried to completion one small aspect of his work by finding an Earth Trojan asteroid, much as he predicted could exist. Our further explorations will miss that bright candle held up for us to follow.

Martin Connors

August 9, 2011

I was very saddened to learn of Kim's untimely passing. Kim was not only an extraordinary scientist but an extraordinary person. As a scientist he was a leader in the study of the dynamics of galaxies and planetary systems. As an individual, he was broadly educated, and devoted to family and his Finnish heritage. Kim and I were graduate students together at Toronto, and were lifelong friends.

Kim's passing is a tremendous loss, not just for his family but also for Canadian astronomy. Gloria joins me in offering our deepest condolences to Sandra and the rest of the family.

Ernest Seaquist

August 7, 2011

Ilse and I are saddened to lose Kimmo whom we have known as a friend since student days at The University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo in the late 50’s and early 60’s. While our meetings with him since those days have been infrequent, it was always a pleasure to be with him and Sandra and enjoy his intelligent and cheerful personality. Our thoughts are with Sandra for whom we wish the strength to cope with her loss.

Kes and Ilse Salkauskas

August 7, 2011

I am so honoured to have known this truly kind, generous, loving and remarkable man.He will be missed very much.

Tara Landry

August 7, 2011

In memory of Kimmo Innanen: I learned to know Kimmo during his and Sandra's visits to Tuorla Observatory. I had also a great pleasure to enjoy Kimmos and Sandras hospitality during my visits to Toronto and I enjoyed a lot visits to their lovely home and cottage in a beautiful place on a lakeside. I am very grateful of the friendship and good humorous company and conversations we had with Kimmo and will miss him a lot. Good memories of him will stay as long as I live. My thoughts are now with Sandra and the family facing the sad loss of this great man. My condolences.

Sirpa Reinikainen

August 6, 2011

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