PIETARINEN, Valde Ilmari ‘Walter’

Passed away peacefully at the Ontario Finnish Rest Home on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the age of 87, with lifelong friend and beloved wife of over 65 years, Jenny by his side.  Valde was a devoted father to Paul Marsch (Anita), Mauri, Brian (Noelle), Gail Gibson (Dan), Linda (Jean Jacques), Senja (Radek); Ukki to his grandchildren Todd (Lindsay), Ryan (Sarah), Jamie (Danielle), Brianna, Wynn, Kane (Kyla), Marlo, Melissa, Samantha, William, Savanna and Cherish; as well as his great grandchildren.  He is survived by one sister and one brother in Finland, predeceased by three sisters and three brothers.  Valde is survived by many nieces and nephews in Canada and Finland.  Valde and Jenny immigrated to Canada as newlyweds in 1951.  A resident of Sault Ste. Marie since 1962; he embodied strength and commitment to family, an avid outdoors-man who respected nature and loved our Lord.  Valde was active in the Finnish community and had a long career in carpentry.  Friends and family are invited to visit at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 12:00 until time of the Funeral Service in the chapel at 1 pm. Pastor Brad Mittleholtz officiating.  Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  The family wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the special care and loving support shown to Valde by the staff of the Finnish Rest Home during these past five years.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society or the Ontario Finnish Rest Home Association would be appreciated.  Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.