Santala, Graham

Graham John Santala; 50 years old. A lifelong resident of Sudbury passed away peacefully on September 3rd, 2020 at Health Sciences North. Beloved son of Ronald Santala of Whitefish, Ontario and Lorna Santala (predeceased). Cherished brother of Craig Santala also of Whitefish. Twin brother of Elaine Fransen and Brother in-law to Fred Fransen of London, Ontario. Loving Uncle of Karlina Fransen. Much loved Godson of Eric and Greta Punkari of Lively, Ontario. Graham will be forever missed by his fiancé and best friend Faydra Cook and their little dog Bella who brought an abundance of love, joy and hope into Graham’s life and also helped to make Graham’s house a home. Graham leaves behind many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins of which he grew up sharing fun and never to be forgotten memories. Friends will recall Graham as a friendly guy who was always ready with a funny joke or comment and a happy grin to go with it. Graham was a lover of the outdoors since the time he could walk. He was the most content when he was on a snowmobile or fishing and hunting at his camp in nature’s beauty. He was proud of his Finnish Canadian heritage and loved to wear his Finland jerseys and hats. Graham was born with a naturally gifted voice and an ear for music. As he never liked to be the center of attention; it was a real treat for anyone who had the rare opportunity to hear Graham sing; especially the songs of his favourite artist Billy Joel. Graham had a soft heart and empathy for animals and children. Both of which naturally gravitated towards his authentic spirit. Graham loved to reminisce about his childhood days of growing up in Copper Cliff and camp where some of his best times were had with his siblings, cousins and friends in a time where life seemed more simple, carefree and innocent. We would like to thank the 5th floor staff of the South tower of Health Sciences North, who provided care for Graham with the upmost compassion and dignity during his final days. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A drop in Celebration of Graham’s life will take place at “Jubes Bar & Grill” in Copper Cliff on Sunday October 18th, 2020, from 2-6 pm. We invite all who knew and loved Graham to Join us as we remember the good times! Donations in memory of Graham would be kindly appreciated to fureverfurbabyrescue@hotmail.com, Or any, not for profit, animal charity of your choice within the Sudbury area.

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17 Condolences

  1. To the Santala family, my deepest regrets that Graham has passed. I remember Graham’s fantastic joy and sense of humour! Elaine, I’ve only just received word of this and I’m so sorry for finding out this late. I will contact you personally, soon. Much love, Joanne

    By: Joanne
    December 18, 2020
  2. A wonderfully written obituary. It so very eloquently captured my memories of Graham.

    I was SO saddened to hear of Graham’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family & friends.

    It has been many years since Graham and I last spoke or saw one another. But the night I heard that he had passed was a sleepless one for me. Once the shock of the news passed, I was flooded with many wonderful memories of our childhood in ‘the Cliff’. Singing away in Graham’s room to Billy Joel, the J Geils Band & Supertramp albums. Spending time at camp, whether summer or winter, were fantastic & fun-filled. I also recalled our time in a little 3 piece band at CCPS – along with Chris Bird. We were pretty good! While I was sad to lose a childhood friend I was also very thankful for the trip down memory lane.

    I will work on my falsetto to be ready for when we meet again around the record player. Rest in peace my old friend.

    By: Patrick O'Brien
    September 12, 2020
  3. My sincere condolences to the Santala family. Graham was an honest soul and I have lots of fun and fond memories of him. Gone too soon. Thinking about Graham’s family and wishing you comfort and solace at such a difficult time.

    By: Bonnie Wells
    September 9, 2020
  4. Our deepest sympathies to Faydra, Ron, Craig, Elaine, Fred and Karlina. We we’re saddened to hear about Graham’s passing. Wishing you peace,comfort and courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

    By: Josie and Willy
    September 9, 2020
  5. I’m going to miss you cuz! You’re awesome sense of humour and means to make light of any situation. You sure knew how to make someone smile.
    My deepest sympathies to Ron, Craig, Elaine, Fred, Faydra and your families.
    May you Rest In Peace Graham. I know you’re up there – hunting, fishing and loving every day!
    Keith

    By: Keith Punkari
    September 9, 2020
  6. I will always remember the good times growing up, we were like brothers. I will miss you forever my friend.

    By: Scott Ferguson
    September 9, 2020
  7. My he rest easy and rock the heavens with his voice and join everyone that he missed but he will truly missed here so remember the good memories and cherish those until we meet again my friend!

    By: Jaye Cooper-Hunter
    September 9, 2020
  8. Some live short lives but reap the richest rewards. Thank you Graham for sharing your riches with my daughter and making her as happy as she deserves to be. I know you will be watching over her from your new place of peace. God Bless Graham.
    Mammabear

    By: Evelyn Cook
    September 8, 2020
  9. We will miss you forever Graham, our God Son. Love and Rest in Peace with your Mom.
    Condolences to the Santala/Fransen family and Faydra Cook. Love you all.

    By: Eric and Greta Punkari
    September 8, 2020
  10. Craig and family, I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your family member. May God bless you all and comfort you in this very sad time. May Graham RIP. God bless you all.

    By: Peter O’Neill
    September 8, 2020
  11. You will be missed my brother, my fishing and hunting buddy.
    I will cherish the memories we made growing up. 🙏❤️

    By: Craig Santala
    September 8, 2020
  12. Thoughts and prayers for Craig and all Graham’s family. I wish many happy memories and stories to carry you through this most difficult time.
    Sending you much love.
    Tina (Withers) Renaud

    By: Tina Renaud
    September 8, 2020
  13. I have only met you twice and you had the gentlest eyes I’ve ever seen. Graham was also the apple of Faydra’s eyes. Her face always lit up whenever she spoke of him. Our sincerest condolences, from all of us at Trek, go out to Faydra and to Graham’s family during this time.

    By: Suzanne
    September 8, 2020
  14. Two hearts, Two souls One Love…I will miss you forever and always. You were my love and my life!
    Love you Graham – Faydra

    By: Faydra Cook
    September 8, 2020
  15. My deepest condolences to the family. I spent many of fun times and lots of memories with Graham. So sad to have heard the news. Rest in peace Graham cheers

    By: NORMA WALLI -BELAnger
    September 8, 2020
  16. I will miss you forever Uncle Graham❤️ I love you – Karlina

    By: Karlina Fransen
    September 8, 2020
  17. I will miss you forever my brother, my twin ..my friend.
    I love you
    Elaine 🙏♥️

    By: Elaine Santala-Fransen
    September 8, 2020

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