Laamanen, Risto

LAAMANEN, Risto Elias - In loving memory of Risto Elias Laamanen who passed on Tuesday morning, July 7, 2009 at the Sudbury Regional Hospital. Beloved partner of Marlene Boland of Sudbury. Loving father of Melissa, Karli (husband Patrick), Kris (Anna), and Sara (husband Gord). Loving stepfather of Craig and Angelina Jacobs. Cherished “Pappa“ and “Grandpa“ of Thalia, McArthur, Townes, Fynn, Ava and Livia. Dear son of Elias and Anna-Liisa Laamanen both predeceased. Dear brother of Marja Bast (husband Don) and Norma Laamanen. Loving uncle of Ben Bast (wife Stephanie), Caroleen, and Star. Born March 13, 1948 in Karstula, Finland. At the age of two, Risto and his family emigrated to Canada. Risto grew up in the Sudbury area attending Capreol and Sudbury High. Risto graduated in 1970 from the charter class of Civil Engineering Technology at Cambrian College. Along with his father, Risto founded Laamanen Construction Limited in 1973. He was a founder, Chair and CEO of Wallbridge Mining Company Limited since 1996. His most recent entrepreneurial venture was the establishment of Rail-Veyor Technologies Inc. Risto was an active and generous supporter of his community. He served on the Board of Governors of Cambrian College, he was Chair of the Cambrian Foundation and Chair of the Stadium Committee for the 1998 World Junior Games. He also was Chair of the Science North Board of Trustees, Chair of the Rusty Blakey Heritage Aviation Group, Member of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University as well as a Board Member of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation. Risto was an Honourary Member of the Snowbirds (Canadian Forces Aerobatic Team) as well as an Honourary Board Member of the Northern Ontario Railway Museum. As a bush pilot he had a deep passion for spending time with friends and family in the great outdoors of Northern Ontario. Music and an appreciation for great songwriting provided much enjoyment in Risto's life. His home on Black Lake was a cherished and very special place to him. Risto will be remembered for his deep and unwavering devotion to his family and friends, his extraordinary generosity, his wit and sense of humour, and his quiet determination. Risto had a loving and gentle spirit and was always a gentleman, humble and unassuming. Risto was “one of a kind“ who touched many lives and will be deeply missed. Resting at the JACKSON AND BARNARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Larch St., Sudbury. Friends may call 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday only. Funeral Service at the Family Home on Wuorinen Rd., Lively Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may gather after 10:30 a.m. Interment in the Water's Cemetery, Lively. In lieu of flowers, donations to Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation - Risto Laamanen Fund for Leadership in Diabetes Research, or Science North Risto Laamanen Fund would be appreciated by the family. Donations or messages of condolence available online at www.lougheed.org