Passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Palliative Care Unit.
Born October 24, 1946, in Jyväskylä, Finland, Eric immigrated to Canada with his family in 1959. He was predeceased by his parents, Martta and Veikko, and is survived by his brother George, sister Sirpa, and their families.
Eric shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with Marg. Her constant support and strength, particularly through his health journey, meant everything to him.
A natural athlete, Eric played soccer at Hodgson Public School and football and hockey at Northern Secondary. He continued playing football at Otterbein University in Ohio. After graduating, he remained in the U.S. to work in real estate development, building ice rinks across Ohio, before returning to Toronto to continue his career in commercial and industrial construction.
In retirement, Eric dedicated more time to his two lifelong passions: hockey and singing. He was a player, coach, scout, and proud fan, contributing to the GTHL Toronto Nationals, OJHL St. Michael’s Buzzers, ECHL Johnstown Chiefs, and the IIHF U20 Finnish Team. He was also a devoted member of the Toronto Finnish Men’s Choir for over 50 years.
The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care Eric received over two decades from the Toronto General Hospital Transplant Centre and Sunnybrook’s General Internal Medicine team. Special thanks to our extended family, friends, and neighbours for their love, support, and countless acts of kindness.
Funeral Service
Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto
Thursday, June 5, 2025
12:00 p.m. Visitation | 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service (Pastor Matti Kormano), followed by a reception
In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory would be appreciated to:
• Toronto General Hospital Transplant Centre:
https://uhnfoundation.ca/programs/transplant
• Sunnybrook Palliative Care Unit:
https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/palliative
• Or a charity of your choice.