Henry Arnold Niskala, a life-long resident of Emo, ON, and recently, Rainycrest Long Term Care of Fort Frances, ON, passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2015.
Henry was born on the farm on Feb. 10, 1928 to John and Anna Niskala. After the passing of his father, Henry, at the age of 18 took on a major role operating the farm with the help of his mother. They milked cows and sold cream to the local creamery in La Vallee.
Henry enjoyed the farm life and accomplished a great deal with the efforts of a single man. Henry was always a quiet and thoughtful individual, willing to help people no matter what the task.
At the age of 40, Henry started to drive the school bus. He took the job with great responsibility and drove the children at times through all kinds of weather and road conditions.
He made many great friendships along the way. He could till his last days recite the names of each of the Veldhuisen children in order of age (all seventeen).
Never having children of his own did not mean that Henry was not involved. Two of his friends, Donald and Donna Pattison, were very much involved with his life. He often talked of snow machine rides and fishing trips; they were so dear to his heart. They created memories that any father would have been proud of.
The Quinn children up the road were also fondly remembered by Henry.
Summers were often filled with the hard work of getting the hay cut and baled. After the hay was in the stack, Henry then devoted his time and energy to preparation of the Emo Fall Fair.
He was a tireless worker who organized exhibits for goats and poultry and any other pet’s people chose to bring. He also would stay late to make sure the young people left the dances happy but safe.
It was not unusual for Henry to get home in the wee hours of the morning having driven several partiers home.
His life continued to be quite busy and full when his nephew, Gary, and Donna and their two boys, Stephen and Michael, moved to the farm in 1990.
Henry taught by example and helped the boys learn to run tractors and other equipment. He always took time to show them where they could find partridge and prairie chicken to hunt.
He enjoyed company and was always pleased when friends would stop by for a visit.
His memory will be kept by many people to whom he was very important. Henry was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna; brothers, John Niskala and Martin Niskala; and sister, Hilma Lloyd.
He was survived by sister, Ellie Pattison, and brother, Paul Johnson, and without a doubt, hundreds of nieces and nephews. His life and times are a testament to his patience and kindness.
A celebration of Henry’s life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 at 1 p.m. from Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, ON, with Rev. Ralph Fluit officiating.
Interment will take place in Burriss Cemetery. Honourary pallbearers will be Stephen Niskala, Michael Niskala, David Lloyd, Gary Lalonde, Justin Lalonde, and Donald Pattison.
If desired memorial donations may be made to Rainy River Agricultural Society, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, ON, P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
HENRY ARNOLD NISKALA
