Born in Hameenlinna Finland on April 27, 1956. Aarno passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle of cancer, with his partner Cathy and daughter Carolyn by his side on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Predeceased by his beloved parents Into and Irma (Peltotalo) Niemi. Survived by his loving partner Cathy Kruisenga. Cherished father of Carolyn Oknianski (Michael) and “sorta pop” of Juhani Paulaharju. Brother of Irmeli Niemi, Kari Niemi (Renee), Mari Joiner (Ron), and Harry Niemi (Lorena). Proud Grandpa of Caylee Oknianski, Tanner Oknianski (Chanelle), and Chance Londo. Great Grandpa of Rowen, Madelyn, and Brynn. Uncle of Jacob Niemi, Jessica Sztrimbly (Joe), Eliisa Joiner (Ben), Markus Joiner (Faith), Ronan Niemi, Aleksi Niemi, and Nikko Niemi. Great Uncle of Brodie Sztrimbly, and Brayden Sztrimbly. Survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins in British Columbia and Finland. He will also be remembered by his lifelong friend and the mother of his children, Mirjami Niemi, as well as many others.
Aarno came to Canada with his parents and siblings in December of 1967 to set up roots and make the small lumber camp of Island Lake outside of Chapleau, Ontario their new home. He would spend the next 15 years in Island Lake until moving to Chapleau in 1982 to raise his family. In 1988 he and his family moved to Sault, Ste. Marie, where he would continue his career as a long-distance truck driver. In September of 2022 he would start his battle with cancer. After almost 50 years of working as a long-distance truck driver he came close to seeing all 10 provinces and so close to all 50 states, before retiring in September of 2022.
You could always find him in his garage working on something. He was the perpetuator of starting projects and finishing few. Friends were always welcome to his home and garage for a coffee, laughter, stories, and a wobbly pop as he liked to call them. He loved his junk and never got rid of anything. As a young man and up to our current time he found refuge spending time at the family camp on Borden Lake. He loved nothing more than a sauna and the hazing of a new friend or potential new member of the family by showing how he could take the most heat. Some details may be unverified, but these will remain classified as urban legends. Aarno was a true Finlander and his SISU shined bright from the day he took his first breath to the day he took his last.
We would like to thank the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Clinic, Dr. Spadafora and a special thanks to his nurse Louise. Thank you to Dr. Booth, Dr. Thangaroopan, and Dr. McLean. Sending a special thank you to his home care nurses Sierra and Jodie.
Aarno will be missed by his trucking family. Please “haul on the horn” in his memory.
As per Aarno’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at some point in the next few months. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com