Beloved husband, father, and Pappa, Matti Hevonkoski, passed away on November 13, 2024 with a saving faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 92, with his devoted wife, Elvi, by his side at Finlandia Village. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Minna (Harri) and Henna (Paul), grandchildren Mika (Grace), Marika (Cody), Katja (William) and Matti, as well as his spirited great-grandchildren, Kai, Teijo, Maija and Niko.
Matti was born in Alavus, Finland on April 23, 1932. He was orphaned and separated from his three siblings as a 9-year-old. From the age of 13, he was on his own and worked many different jobs from farming to carpentry to operating heavy equipment. After a time in the Finnish army, he decided to move to Canada. During a visit to Finland, he met his wife; together they came to Canada in 1965, and eventually settled in Sudbury. They spent the remainder of his days here enjoying saunas and sunsets together, as well as spending time with their growing family.
Matti worked predominantly as a carpenter/supervisor. He had an eye for design and renovated several homes of his own. He had a wealth of carpentry knowledge which he shared with his sons-in-law. Matti found joy in travelling and fishing but hated blueberry picking. He was a handsome man who appreciated fashionable clothes and cars.
Matti was proud of his girls, Elvi, Minna and Henna. He was married to Elvi, the love of his life, for 59 years. He will be remembered for his contagious smile and playful personality.
We would like to thank the staff at Finlandia Village for their compassionate care. Special mention to Hayley, who was especially dear to him.
A private Celebration of Life will be held by the immediate family to remember and celebrate Pappa. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution In Memory of Matti Hevonkoski may do so to the Finlandia SISU Foundation https://www.finlandiavillage.ca/sisu/
or New Hope Lutheran Churchhttps://nhlc.ca/.
To Elvi, Minna, Henna and families,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear Matti, Isa and pappa!
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but his saving faith in Jesus gives you the blessed assurance that you will see him again one glorious day!
Keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time!
November 20, 2024
Thinking of you Henna and Paul and your family at this time. I didn’t get to know your father well. With love and Blessings. Wendy
November 19, 2024
Surunvalittelut
Andrew
November 19, 2024
Dear Elvi, Minna, Henna and your families, our deepest condolences. He endured many challenges in his life, but he produced not only good work, homes but more importantly, his family. Sending our love and hugs.
November 19, 2024
Our deepest sympathy Henna and Paul and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
November 19, 2024
Hey Paul, Henna and family. This is so sad. So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your crew for peace in the days ahead. Lots of love. xoxx
November 19, 2024
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Henna you have been such a remarkable support to our home church group, and I know the strength and love you carry from your father will continue to shine brightly in all that you do. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Matti is now at peace with the Lord, and may His love surround you all.
With deepest sympathy
Cathy and Family
November 18, 2024
Our deepest condolences to you Elvi, Minna & Henna
Your family will be in our prayers the next few weeks.
I have many great memories of Matti from over the many years.
November 18, 2024