Obituary

ERKKI PUKONEN

BORN:AUG.30, 1943,
PANDIVERE,ESTONIA
DIED:FEB. 28, 2009,TORONTO

If a man can be measured
by the richness of his friendships
and the love of his family,
Erkki was a giant

Erkki passed away peacefully on Saturday after a courageous battle, surrounded by his family. He was particularly happy to have fought long enough to see his first granddaughter, three-week old Ocea Margaret Esteri Green, from British Columbia.

Erkki demonstrated the same fabulous qualities at the end of his life as he did throughout his 65 years. He had a consistent and endless ability to be positive, warm, thoughtful and loving. His nurses and doctors were touched and amused by his elegance and kindness, including in his final days, when, in characteristic form, he insisted on asking them “how are you today?”

Erkki burst onto the athletic scene as an unstoppable running back on the University of Toronto Blues, where he became known as the “Flying Finn”. He followed this with a short spell with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before focusing his competitive drive on sailing, squash and tennis at the RCYC.

Professionally, Erkki wove his creative flair into a successful career in architecture and development. Although he focused primarily on business and development, he never lost his love for design, clean lines, space and architectural beauty.

Erkki valued family and friendship above all. These are the priorities that shaped his life. Erkki leaves behind his wife Tachy and his children Jenny (Dylan Green), Tamsin and Markus, stepsons Jonathan and Christopher Yapp, grandson Heron Wilson and granddaughter Ocea Green.

His passing is also mourned by the rest of his family and his extensive array of close friends. Erkki is predeceased by his father, Matti Pukonen, his mother, Ester Vaher and his first wife, Margaret Simpson.

The photograph above captures the love of life that was Erkki’s essence. We will always remember his wonderful spirit, his fabulous grin and his firm handshake, as well as his love of cigars, Wilson Pickett (played loudly) his crazy sailing adventures and squash with his friends. Erkki was loved by many and his passing is a tremendous loss.

Erkki will be cremated at a private ceremony attended by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday March 12th at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, 141 St. George Street (Bloor & St. George) 7-9pm.

Erkki’s family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Minden, Dr. Ken Peckham and the wonderful nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital for their professionalism and kindness during Erkki’s illness. In lieu of flowers Erkki can be honoured through donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (Canadahelps.org).