GONE FLYING
It is with deepest sadness that the family of Everett Makela announce his passing on May 4, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre. Everett is survived by his loving wife Gabrielle (nee Dyce). Loving Father to son Everett Jr. predeceased (Barbara) and Mark (Roxanne). Proud Poppa of Benjamin (Viorica) Jane (Gunay), Lara and Elizabeth.
Predeceased by his parents Carl and Saimi Makela and brother Ralph (Eileen, predeceased). He is survived by his brothers Reino (Rita) and Allan (Thelma, predeceased) (Gail). He will be dearly missed by many loving nieces and nephews.
Everett was born into a family of determined and resilient Finns that homesteaded land on the Vermilion River and taught their strong work ethic to an independent young boy. He shared many stories of the lessons he learned in his youth as well as fond recollections of boyhood friends and adventures.
Everett married Gabrielle Dyce (Cupey) in 1959 and the young couple would move to the Makela Farm in 1965 where, surrounded by neighbouring family and friends, they would raise their two sons. He was the base the family relied on as a constant throughout their lives.
Everett pursued his many interests with a thoughtful awareness, and he loved to share his insights with anyone willing to stop and spend a moment. His unmistakable voice could captivate the listener as he told tales woven from the fabric of his own life or gleaned from the many historical and educational books he would read. Always a sharp observer, he especially appreciated nature. He would marvel while watching a colony of ants or delight viewing otters on the springtime river ice.
For those that knew Everett in passing he was an “airplane guy”. To those from the Northern Ontario flying community he was an aviation legend. A bright yellow OPAS biplane landed at Stoney Bay on a cold winter’s day, and he was captivated. Stories were passed down of a joyful youth sitting on his grandparents’ steps with a toy airplane in his hands. In 1948 Everett’s dream of flight would become reality and he would get his wings at Nickel Belt Airways on Ramsey Lake. His love of aviation inspired many to learn to fly including his brothers Reino and Allan, and son Mark. His passion became a career as he started his own aircraft repair shop on Grassy Lake in 1970. He operated Akela Aircraft until 1993 and left a lasting impression throughout the aviation community.
Retirement would mean pursuing his interests on his own terms. He built airplanes, cut wood, surveyed and worked the farm, witched wells, flew a Beaver, built a snow-plane, helped his family and friends, enjoyed Cupey’s cooking, read his books, kept the fire on, and told a lot of marvelous stories from a life well lived.
A Celebration of Everett’s Life will be held at the Penage Road Community Center, 968 Panache Lake Road, Whitefish, ON on July 16, 2022, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Celebration of Life to begin at 11:30 am.
Dear Cupey, Mark and family
Writing this was much more difficult than I first imagined. As I let my mind wander back to those early years it was flooded with warm and poignant memories of growing up surrounded by caring family. The Makelas, the Cullens, Makela Seniors, the Roddas and the Calfords all with adjoining properties, and with frequent visits from the Mableys. We grew up in a warm embrace! And there was almost always the sounds of airplanes in the sky!
Everett was not only the senior cousin, his love of aviation set him apart. He restored old airplanes while the rest of us could only dream of restoring old cars! I distinctly remember his Tiger Moth restoration. It was a tattered old biplane when he got it, delivered in pieces in a big old truck. I remember the painstaking job when he restored the fabric, it having to be placed in a certain way over the metal frame, at a certain degree of snugness, and then the multiple coats of aromatic sealers and paints so that it was strong and beautiful and snug as a drum skin!
I remember visiting on a bitter cold winter’s day when big tarpaulins had been tented over the engine cowling and kerosene heaters placed underneath so that he could go flying.
I remember Everett taking me on my first airplane ride, a truly magical experience as the roaring engine lifted us off the water and we soared over the tree tops into the bright blue sky!
When we moved our mother into the Senior Makelas cottage, Everett was there once again to lend a hand with his bulldozer to level the field bed and septic tank.
Thanks Everett for your part in all of those warm and wonderful memories!
John Rodda and family
July 9, 2022
Dear Cupey, Mark and family,
Everett lived a full life and enriched ours with his many stories and observations. May sharing these memories comfort you in this time of grief. He will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Roger Cerutti
July 6, 2022
To Mark & Family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Always loved going to the seaplane base & being greeted with such a happy, smiling wonderful man. Loved the stories he told,they were so interesting. What a life of experiences. I pray to God for a covering of peace, healing, & comfort to the Makela Family while you all grieve this loss. Thanks Mr. Makela for the opportunity to have met you. Take care everyone. Sincerely, The Secord Family
July 5, 2022
Dearest Cupey & Mark & Makela Clan,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Everett was such an iconic man.
There are many wonderful memories for sure, cherish these.
Much love,
Claire
July 5, 2022
Dear Cupey, Mark and families, Deepest condolences on the passing of Everett on behalf of myself and my late parents Don and Joan Reid. We spent so many happy times on Grassy Lake Road with Keith and Eleanor and all of their Makela kinfolk. They truly made us feel welcome and like family.
July 5, 2022
Dear Cupey, Mark and Families,
Our sincerest, most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Everett Sr. We regret that we are unable to be with you in person for the Celebration of his Life. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Much love,
Leona, Paul and Charlotte
July 5, 2022