Reino Salo

Reino Salo, age 84 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 1, 2018 in Thunder Bay Regional Hospital following complications from an accidental fall. He was born in Fort William on August 31, 1934 to Finnish immigrant parents, Hilja (nee Eskola) and Johannes Salo. Dad was a quiet, unassuming man who was devoted to his children and grandchildren. He would drop everything if someone needed his help. Since he was a ‘jack of all trades', he helped with our cars and our houses and even helped his son build his home. He even assisted his daughters, who lived in different cities – either physically or with sage advice on how to fix something or try to diagnose the funny car sounds. “Dad, it's going ‘choop-dah-WONK'”.

Reino loved the outdoors. He was always out there tinkering with his cars and building his wooden boat, The Chee Chee Lynn, from plans he'd saved for decades. But his favorite outdoor activity was camping at Arrow Lake with Mom, his children and grandchildren. The bonfires were a special hang out for everyone. Dad loved his sports, especially football and baseball. He was glued to the TV during those games. We called him every morning to let him know what channels to tune in to and what time. He got a little forgetful in later years. He worked as a Design Engineer and Draftsman Estimator at New Idea Sheet Metal, an Estimator at Valmat Enerdry a Manager at Philip's Security. During his later years, he was a school bus driver for First Student, Trottier and Iron Range bus lines. He retired at age 74.

Reino is predeceased by his parents, Hilja and Johannes, his wife, Bernadette (Bunny) and his brothers; Allan and Tauno Salo. He is survived by his children; Holly Salo (Peter Boban), Allan Salo (Lori Gamble), Michelle Salo (John Unruh), grandchildren; Brendan Stennett (Lisa), Alley Stennett (Jeff), Scott Salo (Michelle), Sarah Salo, Michael Rothenburger (Amanda), Andrea Rothenburger (Tyler), great grandchildren; Adam Rothenburger, Julia Rothenburger, Chace LeBlanc and Kaleb LeBlanc.

The Salo family would like to thank the caring doctors and nurses at the Regional Hospital as well as the friends who came to visit. It meant a great deal to him. Cremation has taken place and a private family ceremony will be at a later date.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Sep. 15, 2018.