REINO WILLIAM PITKANEN

REINO WILLIAM PITKANEN
On Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at Rainycrest Home for the Aged, Fort Frances, Ont., Reino William Pitkanen passed away with his family by his side.
Ray was born on Jan. 15, 1932.
Ray met the love of his life, Marlene Peterson, and they were married in 1952. Together, they raised their six children.
They moved to Schreiber, Ont. in 1957, where Ray worked for Ontario Hydro. In 1971, they moved to Fort Frances, where Ray continued his career with Ontario Hydro until his retirement.
With the children raised, Ray and Marlene moved back to their roots in Thunder Bay in the country.
For many years, Ray was a member to the Masonic Lodge and the Border Shrine.
Ray spent much of his spare time with his family, early on at their summer camp on Current River and later in helping them with all of their projects, always there to give advice and lend a helping hand.
He also had a passion for prospecting, spending much of his spare time pursuing this hobby with family and friends. As well, he was an avid learner and was self-educated in many areas.
Ray had many friends and acquaintences that respected and admired him.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Tyna; a sister, Elsie; and a brother, Arthur.
Ray will be lovingly remembered and so sadly missed by his wife, Marlene; and children, Linda and grandchildren, John and Mindy, Wendy Taylor (Clint) and grandchildren, Thomas and Amanda, Reino (Linda) and grandchildren, Ron and Sue, Glenn (Sharon) and grandson, Jonathon, Tom (Bobbi) and grandchildren, Kole, Tyson, and Eric, and David (Lisa).
He also is survived by his sister, Aune Opas of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and numerous other relatives.
At Ray’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will take place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2.
Online condolences may be left at www.northridgefuneralhome.com