Makela, Everett

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Everett Franklin Makela, surrounded by his loving family at Health Sciences North, Sudbury on January 24, 2019. Devoted husband to Barbara (nee Townend) for 34 wild and wonderful years. Loving father to Benjamin and Jane. Born in Sudbury, on May 14, 1961 and raised on the family farm at Grassy Lake, he was the first-born son of Everett Makela Sr. and Gabrielle “Cupey” (nee Dyce). Cherished brother to Mark (Roxanne). Adoring uncle to Lara, Elizabeth and many other nephews and nieces. From his father, he inherited a strong work ethic, passion for occupation and pride in his Finnish heritage. He was nurtured by his mother and grandmothers from whom he developed a love of good food. Spending much cherished time with his grandfathers, he developed a life-long passion for hunting and fishing. Everett was not a man of small measures, he led a big life. He loved rocks, the outdoors, any cup of coffee, literature, collecting art and had a gentle compassion for animals. He was nurturing and sensitive to any fragility he found. He loved going fast, anyway he could, especially on snow machines and motor cycles. A great mountain of a man who could be brought to tears by a mouthful of cake. He loved great adventures and bad jokes but above all, his family. He had a long and storied career as an exploration geologist for over 33 years, retiring from INCO/Vale after 28 years, he went on to become the director and Vice President of Exploration at Garibaldi Resources. He saw more of the world than many could only hope and even some parts of the world that no one had ever seen before. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Valhalla he is coming. The Makela family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the exceptional staff at Health Sciences North. In keeping with Everett’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Penage Road Community Center, 968 Penage Road, Whitefish on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 1:30 pm with words of remembrance to be shared at 2:30 pm. To help those in need, as Everett did in life, in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in Everett’s name be made directly to The Social Planning Council of Sudbury, or a charity of your choice.