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Arvi LIIMATAINEN
Arvi LIIMATAINEN
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Arvi LIIMATAINEN Obituary
Passed away at home in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 19, 2018. Born in Jyvaskyla, Finland on August 31, 1949, Arvi returned there a year ago, thus fulfilling a lifelong dream of reconnecting with his Finnish relatives. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughter Anja (Kris) and grandson Otto; brother Paul (Sherry); sister Doris; niece Danielle (Nolan); nephew John (Kristen); and cousins Kaapro (Marketta), Maarit (Janne), Maarku (Ida), Kaisa (Keijo ), Maija (Hannu), and their children.
Arvi was a multi-talented, widely-respected, and award-winning Canadian film and television producer, but it was his family and friends that he most cherished. An artist of personal connection, many delighted in the heartfelt and eloquent letters, cards, and emails dispatched from Arvi's desk. His kindness, integrity, laughter, genius for storytelling, and unbounded passion for life will live on.
A reception in Arvi's honour will be held on Sunday June 10, from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby, BC. We are grateful to the team of family, friends and health practitioners for their exceptional care and support; we extend a special thank you to Dr. Janis Wright, Dr. Paul Klimo, Dr. Jason Wang, and the Robert and Lily Lee Health Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
www.inspirehealth.ca.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Mohamed Salamé
June 1, 2023
To Anja and Arvi's family. I am so sorry to hear of Arvi's passing so late. I had gotten to know Arvi briefly when he would visit Montreal, and when I visited Vancouver. He was the type of person who made you feel comfortable in any setting. A true visionary who seemed to be above the fray, while still being grounded. You will be missed.
June Scott
August 14, 2018
To Doris and Paul . So sorry to hear of Arvis passing. Mona and I have many fond memories of your visits to the farm in Thorhild. I would like to reconnect with you. We live in Edmonton now. June (Keino) Scott
David Gladders
June 10, 2018
Sarah, Anja and Otto, Doris and Paul, and other members of Arvi's family please accept our sincere condolences. Arvi was the epitome of that fine Finnish quality 'Sisu" and a good friend for almost 50 years...
1978 at our wedding
June 6, 2018
Arvi was a special man with a lot of compassion. He was a difference-maker
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Hal Lineger
June 6, 2018
Arvi was my best bud throughout High School and for many years after that. Arv was a true friend.
Dez Haddock
June 6, 2018
Thanks for everything Arvi - I appreciated all the wisdom. You were a big part of who I am today.
Sue Borland
June 5, 2018
Arvi was a wonderful friend and a creative, positive influence who made the world around him a better place. I am so glad I knew him, so sad he is no longer with us. Our love and condolences to his family.
Marilyn Wakaruk
June 4, 2018
I was so lucky to work with Arvi in his early Edmonton days. An inspiring and lovely man. Condolences to all his loved ones.
Barbara Varrin
June 4, 2018
Arvi won awards and the respect of all who worked with him. But I remember .... 1982 ... I was 30 years old. I bought a brand new shiny black Toyota Celica. This man filled the trunk with flowers and champagne and a card that said "Happy Trails". Back at you, Arvi ... Happy Trails.
Stephen Miller
June 4, 2018
An absolutely wonderful man. You always knew you were in good hands when Arvi was on the job.
Mairi Maclean
June 4, 2018
Arvi was talented and tenacious, and a major force in Alberta's young film and television industry before the coast beckoned. I am sorry to hear about his passing, and send condolences to his loved ones.
James DeFelice
June 4, 2018
Arvi was a gifted artist and a remarkable person.
He touched everyone he met with his warmth and generosity.
I was fortunate to work with Arvi on many projects including
"Angel Square", "Hamilton's Quest", "Byron Harmon",
and "Stony Plain" . His creativity and warm and supportive
personality will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Bette Chadwick
June 3, 2018
My heart goes out to Arvi's family and close friends who will miss him terribly. He was a friend a mentor and a loyal colleague in what can be a difficult industry. He a unique individual with a big heart hidden behind a somewhat imposing exterior. We will miss your warmth and talent Arvi. You were a special person.
Roy Haikarainen
June 3, 2018
My condolences to Arvi's family, and to Paul and Doris. Having known Arvi when I was a kid back in the old neighbourhood, it was nice to see him achieve his subsequent success.
Ron Holland
June 3, 2018
To The Family of Arvi Liimatainen:
During my 10 years as a Film Commissioner, I benefitted from Arvi's guidance in his capacity as a member of the Advisory Board for the Edmonton Motion Picture & Television Bureau.
Arvi was a multi-talented guy who for me, is remembered as a "big bear" with a BIGGER heart.
Sincere Sympathy,
Rosemarie Duma
June 2, 2018
So sorry to hear about Arvis passing.. Our family went to school with Paul and Doris.. and my our Mother worked with Helena... we lived on 43 st.
Our condolences from Jennie Bodnar..Richard Bodnar..Rosemarie Duma... Christine Penn. And the rest of our family's . Arvi was very talented and we knew he would do well in his career.. God Bless
The Entire family at this time of loss
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