July 27, 1941 – October 12, 2026
Walter Jack “Wally” Hyytiainen, born July 27, 1941, passed away peacefully with family, friends, and Garmr at his side on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the age of 85 at Maison McCullough Hospice.
He was the son of Aimo and Mary Hyytiainen, both predeceased, and brother and best friend to William John Hyytiainen (“Billy” and “Uncle B”), predeceased.
Wally was the loving and dedicated husband of our mom, Sharon Elizabeth Hyytiainen (née Goodward), who passed away on July 17, 2022. He was the very best Dad to Sherri (husband Mike) and Tracy (partner John). Dad’s favourite title was Pappa to William and Paige.
He was loved by his brother- and sister-in-law, Bill and Marg Goodward, and his sister-in-law, Sylvianne Hyytiainen (“Tauntie”). He will be missed by his nieces and nephew: Robbie (predeceased), Cheryl (Sean), Lisa (Kevin), and Terry (Joanne). He was godfather to Elaine (Niemi) Fielding, adopted Dad to Craig and Katriina, Tammy and Rachael, and a special close friend to Mike and Stef.
Dad lived in Waters Township his whole life. As a young man, his first job was working for John Petney, doing everything in the garage and, when needed, peeling potatoes in the kitchen. He met our mom while she was on her mail route with her Dad. They started dating, became engaged, and married on June 22, 1963. For 59 years, they built a beautiful life together.
Dad was a fuel truck driver for Shell Canada, then a dispatcher, and in 1984 he went on to become the Shell agent, operating Wally Hyytiainen Fuels Limited. For more than 50 years, he did what he loved: driving. He retired at the age of 75 and pretty much started working for Steve McMurray the very next day, hauling fuel.
As much as he was the best Dad ever, being a Pappa gave him so much joy. He was at every hockey game and go-kart race. One of his last—and, we think, favourite—outings was watching Paige compete with Ruben in an equestrian competition at Northern Legacy Farm. Dad was over the moon that we were able to get him there for that event and spoke of it often.
Besides being a hardworking family man, Dad had a great passion for animals, whether owning them or rescuing them. Once Dad formed his partnership with Craig and Katriina, they were unstoppable. There was nowhere they would not go to rescue dogs and cats. Thousands of animals were saved, received medical attention, and then went on to their furever homes.
What do you say about a man who moved the world for everybody? He was truly a legend to everyone who knew him, and the lives he touched are countless.
| Celebration of Life October 31, 2026 1 PM to 6 PM Bryston’s on the Park 5 Creighton Road, Copper Cliff In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to directly to Pet Save https://petsavesudbury.com/donate/ or Maison McCullough Hospice https://maisonsudburyhospice.org/donate/ |
On behalf of the Hyytiainen family, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support we have received. To all the staff and volunteers at Maison McCullough Hospice, our deepest gratitude for taking such good care of our Dad and of us.
THUMBS UP, WE LOVE YOU, DAD