Obituary for Erkki Johannes Leinala (Leinala)
Erkki Johannes Leinala was a dreamer, builder, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He lived a full and content life, dying unexpectedly in his home on April 30th, 2021. He was born in Helsinki, Finland, on April 19th, 1947 to Arvi and Elli Leinala. Erkki immigrated to Canada as a boy with his parents and younger sisters, Kaarina, Marjaana, and Kirsti. Growing up on Antwerp Street in Sudbury, his family began Leinala’s Bakery.
During his early years, Erkki met and married Aino Elenius, his partner through life. Erkki and Aino were blessed with three children: Tommi, wife Krissy; Eeva, husband Sula; and Jussi, wife Brenda.
As a young man working construction, Erkki started his own company, Comrock Construction, and was a past-president of the Sudbury Construction Association. Later in life, Erkki graduated with a double degree from Laurentian University. Afterwards, he served as Executive Director of the Sudbury Finnish Rest Home - Finlandia Village. He volunteered his time for St. Matthew’s/New Hope Lutheran Church and for the Sudbury Youth Orchestra, valuing the impact of the arts for his children and others.
Erkki retired and spend his time at the sanctuary and paradise he created for himself and his family on Middle Lake. Erkki spent much of his later years enjoying time at home with his grandsons, Ari, Kai, Mikko, and Timo. He loved passing on to them knowledge and skills he gained through life and the skills of chess. Erkki worked hard to live a blessed life, and was loved and cherished by those who knew him. We are thankful for having had him in our lives.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to Finlandia Village SISU Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.
During his early years, Erkki met and married Aino Elenius, his partner through life. Erkki and Aino were blessed with three children: Tommi, wife Krissy; Eeva, husband Sula; and Jussi, wife Brenda.
As a young man working construction, Erkki started his own company, Comrock Construction, and was a past-president of the Sudbury Construction Association. Later in life, Erkki graduated with a double degree from Laurentian University. Afterwards, he served as Executive Director of the Sudbury Finnish Rest Home - Finlandia Village. He volunteered his time for St. Matthew’s/New Hope Lutheran Church and for the Sudbury Youth Orchestra, valuing the impact of the arts for his children and others.
Erkki retired and spend his time at the sanctuary and paradise he created for himself and his family on Middle Lake. Erkki spent much of his later years enjoying time at home with his grandsons, Ari, Kai, Mikko, and Timo. He loved passing on to them knowledge and skills he gained through life and the skills of chess. Erkki worked hard to live a blessed life, and was loved and cherished by those who knew him. We are thankful for having had him in our lives.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to Finlandia Village SISU Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.