Tauno Salo

It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Tauno Cunnari Salo announce his sudden passing. The staff and residents at Metro Lions Housing (Victoria Ave.), librarians across all city branches and hundreds of squirrels, birds and ducks at the local parks share in his family's sorrow. Tauno was born June 8, 1936, in Port Arthur, to Hilja and Hannes Salo. Growing up in a Finnish household on Meek Street, he couldn't help but develop his own unique sense of 'sisu'. Throughout Dad's life, he followed his own path, encouraged his children to always do the same and was often heard saying (with a boyish grin) "You can always tell a Finn but you can't tell him much." After successful management positions at CIBC, Canada Permanent and Unitized Manufacturing, Dad entered into an early retirement. If he didn't answer his phone, we knew he was on one of the daily across-the-city walks to pick up groceries, lottery tickets or 3 - 4 new books. He lived a life full of random acts of kindness: sweeping the sidewalk or shoveling snow outside his apartment building, bringing treats to his friends working at the Brodie and Waverley St. Libraries, giving money to those with financial needs greater than his own. He was always ready, willing and more than able to lend a hand. For a man that possessed very little materially, he was grateful every day for the riches in his life. In addition to his own, Lori's children Tyler (15) and Nicole (12) were the highlight of his life and he loved every minute that he spent with them. From building make-shift go carts, floating handmade boats in Friendship Gardens, riding the train at Centennial Park to sharing stories about his own childhood, he rejoiced in their young lives with love, enthusiasm and laughter. Bruce's children, Brent and Brittany, were also near and dear to Dad's heart, and he watched them grow from children to the young adults they now are. Never to be forgotten, he always inquired, cared about, Brandi, Duke, Serius, Diesel, Jigger, Zuri, Jetta, Charlie, Stormy, Oreo, Mia, Molly and all the other loved members of our families. They will miss his gentle hand and kind touch. He lived simply but loved deeply. He was so proud of his family, just as we will always be of him. Dad is survived by his three children and their families: Cindy (Bruce, Brent and Brittany), Wayne (Cathy) and Lori (Jeff, Tyler and Nicole). He was predeceased by his parents Hilja, Hannes and his brother Alan. A brother Reino (Bunny) survives. He also has many nieces and nephews who will smile with their own memories of 'Uncle Chucky'. Pat and Jack, you were also his family and we thank you for the care you gave to Dad over the years. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you remember Tauno through a donation to the Thunder Bay Public Library or by conducting a small, random act of kindness. Books were his constant companion, his heart always open to all. 'Goodbye, my friend.' We are truly honoured to be your children. Cindy SaloWayne SaloLori Salo (Dillon)On-line condolencesmay be made through www.nwfainc.com "

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Oct. 13, 2012.