Erkki Korpijaakko
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Erkki Korpijaakko. Erkki passed peacefully on July 14, 2024.
Erkki was born February 27, 1936 in Finland to Nils and Irja Korpijaakko and immigrated to Canada in 1966. Erkki was predeceased by his first wife Maija-Leena (1984), brother Martti (2015) and son Timo (2020). Erkki is survived by his wife of 40 years, Margarete Tolksdorf, his children Aino Korpijaakko, Paula Erika (Michael) Reece, Carla (Fernando) Korpijaakko Arduengo, Alex Tolksdorf- Korpijaakko and brother Pertti Korpijaakko. Erkki was the proud grandparent to David, Alexander, Paige and Jasper. Erkki will be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family.
Erkki lived a life of quiet fortitude in the face of difficult situations as well as immense adventure. Born in the beginnings of the Second World War, he quickly learned the importance of taking nothing for granted, hiding with his brothers under a “magic rug” protecting them from air raids. He studied sciences in university, with a passion for ornithology. He completed his Ph.D. in Biology, after immigrating to Canada. Erkki’s career took him all over the world from Florida, Japan, and various countries in Africa where he worked in challenging but rewarding conditions and fell in love with the diverse African culture and biodiversity.
It is impossible to summarize a person who devoted himself to continual learning across such a diverse plethora of hobbies and interests. Erkki will be missed for his dark humour, the smell of wood shavings or lawn clippings to his shirt and his absolute inability to locate his dozens of eyeglasses. He was there to teach his kids camping, fishing, how to ride a bicycle, kick a soccer ball and how to maintain a car. He demonstrated without fanfare and incredible work ethic, quiet devotion, and utter grit no matter what life handed to him: real “Sisu”. He never drew attention to his accomplishments or achievements. Erkki’s beautiful tales of his adventures will forever echo in the minds of anyone who spent time with him. A massive hole is left behind and we wish him peace and rest now.
Erkki spent his last months in the Niagara Region at the Willoughby Manor and his last days at Greater Niagara General Hospital and at the Palliative Care Unit at the Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie. The family want to thanks all the nurses and doctors from the Northumberland Hospital, Ed’s House (Cobourg) Greater Niagara General Hospital and the Douglas Memorial Hospital. Special thanks go to Dr. Mulé (Cobourg) for his care over the past year and to Dr. Scher for making his final days comfortable. We also want to thank the staff and nurses at Willoughby Manor who all made him feel so welcome and cared for. As per his wishes, Erkki was cremated and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Passages End of Life Services, 241 Ridge Rd. N Ridgeway, ON. 289-475-2160