It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Viljo Levanen on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the age of 85 years.

Viljo (aka Willy) is survived by his loving wife Josephine (Josie) Levanen; daughter Shelley (Jim) Lewis; sons, Bruce (Val) Clemons, Dean (Brenda) Levanen, Barry (Gloria) Levanen and Keith Levanen. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren; sister in law Elsa, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Adam and Irja (nee Hakala) Levanen; brothers Saul (Beatrice) and Aarne Levanen.

Dads’ working life started early. When he graduated from Grade 8 and reached the ripe old age of 14, he was told by his father it was time to go to work. Away to the bush camps he went, piling cord-wood that was cut by his father Adam with a buck saw. Dad became a teamster meaning he drove horses to pull wood out of the bush in the pre-mechanized era of cutting pulp. He went off to BC when he was in his early 20’s and worked in the bush camps there. It was a much different style of logging in the mountains, with spar poles, yarders and choker men. Being the son of a farmer and not scared of hard work, he managed to do just fine. Missing being home, he returned to Thunder Bay and began working for various woodland contractors.

Dad had many skills including but not limited to, cutting pulp (with a chainsaw), operating heavy equipment including skidders, log loaders, excavators, dozer and driving truck. Eventually, he retired, after 35 years of working for Great Lakes Paper.

Dad enjoyed various activities, reading, hunting, fishing, running, walking and cross country skiing. He also enjoyed picking blueberries when he was in the bush camps, but mainly for the end result … pies and the canned blueberries that mom made. Being of Finnish heritage it goes without saying, sauna time was also a favorite.

Dad truly loved all his family. He experienced great pride and joy when his grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit.

Dad knew countless people. It seemed no matter where we went he knew someone and had many friends. He will be missed by all.

A celebration of Dads’ life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Royal Canadian Legion – Kakabeka Branch. Interment will take place at the Conmee Cemetery at a later date.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Viljo Levanen to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated.