REIJO MANSUR TYRVAINEN

It is with profound sadness that the family of Reijo Mansur Tyrvainen announces his unexpected passing on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 in Toronto, Ont.
Reijo was born Aug. 10, 1980 in Fort Frances, Ont., the eldest son of Reijo and Jane Tyrvainen.
Reijo’s early years were spent in the communities of Finland and Clearwater Lake, surrounded by friends and family, where lasting friendships were made. At the time of his passing, his residence was London, Ont.
He attended Sturgeon Creek School, Fort Frances High School, and then on to Kilgour in east Texas. He was a member of the Kilgour College football team until a knee injury forced him to retire.
Reijo was very proud of his Finnish heritage. He faithfully followed the Finnish hockey teams, cheering them on whether winning or losing.
His favourite hockey team of his youth was the Calgary Flames but he then switched his allegiance to his Dad’s favourite team: the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In his younger years, Reijo enjoyed playing minor hockey and football, and the last few years took up the sport of arm-wrestling, at which he excelled, winning medals and forming ever-lasting friendships along the way.
Reijo had an amazing sense of humour, an infectious smile, and a loving heart. He also was a protector; ready to right any wrong done to his family and friends. He did his best to keep in touch with the people who meant the most to him.
Reijo is survived by his mother, Jane Mansur Tyrvainen; father, Reijo (Louise); son, Caden; brothers, Jyri (Andrew), Danny, and Jacob (Barbara); sister, Thea; niece, Brooke; and nephews, Gage and Mikko
He is also survived by his maternal aunts and uncle, Thea (Greg), Terry, Gaby (Francois), Melissa, Nancy, Susan, and Barry (Petra); paternal aunts and uncles, Raimo (Audrey), Raija (Neil), Arvo, Liz, Maryanne (Kevin), and Moni; and numerous cousins.
Reijo was predeceased by his grandparents, Albin & Elli Tyrvainen and Elbert Mansur and Helen Enright; uncles, Jim, Kevin, and Bill Enright; and cousin, Erika Carey.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont., with Pastor Conrad Dueck officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Thea Tyrvainen, Jyri Tyrvainen, Danny Tyrvainen, Jolene Morriseau, Doug LaBelle, Terry LaBelle, and Jason Bragg.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the “Kindness Fund” c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0 or a charity of your choice.