Esko Ilmari Punkkinen passed away on Tuesday January 19th, 2021 after several years of declining health from dementia. He was 78 years old. Esko was the husband and best friend of Anneli for 56 years. He was also the best friend of his son Kari (Erin), and highly admired by his daughter Anne (Mark). He was the cherished pappa to Katrina, Katja (Micheal), Mallorie, Ava, Gabrielle, Kurtis and great grandson, Beckham. He is predeceased by his parents Evert and Elna. Adored youngest brother to Alpo (predeceased) from Sudbury and Anja (predeceased), Toini, Heikki, Anita, Eila, and Juhani (predeceased), all of Finland. Esko was born in Finland and moved to Canada at the age of 14 years to join his brother Alpo. He worked as a small engine mechanic but was truly a jack of all trades! He could fix and build anything! Esko did everything! He raced snowmachines for several years, did high school gymnastics, played Finnish pesäpallo, cross country often skied 300 km a year, dancing, barefoot waterskied at the age of 60, and could trick ski better than anyone. He hunted moose, deer and loved fishing, especially with his wife. Many special times were spent saunaing and swimming at their home on Long Lake. Esko was very proud of and devoted to his Finnish heritage. He was a member of the Sudbury Finnish Male choir for 41 years. He was an active member of the Voima Athletic Association for decades and groomed the cross-country ski trails until he became ill in 2013. He was truly dedicated and so proud of his family, his kids and his grandkids. Unfortunately, he never got to meet the newest addition, his great grandson, Beckham. Esko was so respected and admired by his 5 Canadian nephews, and anyone that had the privilege of meeting and knowing him. Special thanks to the Haapa staff at Finlandia, especially to Nicole Fielding who always went above and beyond to care for him and ensure his needs and ours were met. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date, hopefully during the summer months. Donations can be made to Finlandia Sisu Foundation by calling 705-524-3137 or online at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/SudburyFinnishRestHomeSociety/InMemoriam.html or donations can be made directly at any charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted with Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services Ltd. Online condolences can be posted at www.RangersSudbury.com
Jäi ahkera työsi muistoksi meille. Hyvän sydämes ohjeet annoit meille, sä aina muistit ja huolta kannoit, et paljon pyytänyt vaan kaikkesi annoit