It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Pentti Kivinen on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre at the age of 94. He was born in Turku, Finland on November 14, 1923 and emigrated to Canada at three years of age. He is survived by his daughter Eila Kyrzakos, husband Ed, grandchildren Scott Brown, wife Jenny, Jeffrey Brown, partner Amanda and Jason Kivinen, great-grandson Maxwell Brown, dear niece Helen Baglole and “daughter #2” Kathy, husband Pat, daughter-in-law Donna, best friend Ted Giannini and other family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Ellen (Rantasalo), his beloved wife of 62 years Kaarina (Maki), his son Raymond, nieces Carolyn White and Norma Dow. Always self-employed at Cliffbury Automotive Machine Shop established in 1939, Pentti worked his entire life with quiet resolve and determination alongside his father and son. He was well known in the business community for his willingness to “get” parts, “find” parts, “make” parts or “McGyver” parts for cars, trucks, tractors, boats and motors. Pentti and Kaarina's home was always welcoming for a game of cards, coffee and pulla, dancing or the sharing of interesting stories because of a memory like no other. Special thanks to Dr. John Mulloy who has demonstrated care, friendship and compassion over many years, and most recently to the kind, friendly staff at St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre and to the wonderful staff at iCan. To honour Pentti's wishes there will be no funeral visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at Eila and Ed's home on Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Now it is our turn to share a story or two, welcome to all. In lieu of flowers donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
It was a pleasure interviewing Pentti for the Finnish Canadian Historical Society records. He was my source for stories of Long Lake. I was hoping to talk one more time with him about the “old days”. In his memory I will give a presentation at the April meeting of the FCHS. RIP Pentti
April 8, 2018
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Pentti was a unique individual that will not be forgotten. The Lundgren family enjoyed our visits to the Kivinen farm that always included a sauna and coffee. Even sometimes a cribbage game. Many stories remain to be told and we look forward to June 23.
April 4, 2018