Asko Kütti - A life well lived!

Born in Tartu, Estonia on February 17, 1926, to Ida (nee Kuusk) and Eduard Voldemar Kütti. Older brother to Volli (1929-1982).

A wonderful and eventful childhood was spent growing up in the recently independent Republic of Estonia. This however was brutally interrupted by World War II and the barbaric first occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1941. Asko’s lifelong love of freedom and liberty can be traced back to his arrest and jailing at age 14 by the occupying Soviets.

Once it was certain that the Soviets would occupy Estonia for a second time in 1944, Asko’s only option for a life of liberty was to leave Estonia. Following a very brief military career, which ended with bullets and shrapnel in his leg, he completed high school, spent time in a DP Camp and worked for the US Army in Germany. He was welcomed by Canada at Halifax’s Pier 21 in June 1949.

Following a compulsory one-year refugee work assignment on a farm in Aylmer, Ontario, Asko moved to Toronto. Here he co-founded Ansko Bricklayers with best friend, Ants Aug. In Toronto he also met the love of his life, Ellen Mägi, at a wedding of mutual friends. They married and soon settled into a home in North York, where they raised two children, Toomas and Katrin.

During these years, Asko worked in construction project management, spending 25 years with Cadillac-Fairview and various earlier iterations of Cadillac Construction. He finished his career with a brief stint at Tornat Construction.

As an active member of Toronto’s Estonian community, Asko volunteered his time with St. Peter’s Estonian Lutheran Church, the Toronto Estonian House and the Toronto 250 Estonian Scout Group, Lembitu Malev. In each case, his focus was building maintenance, construction and sustainability. To that end, his home-away-from-home was the scouts' campground Kotkajärve, in Muskoka. Asko's desire for Toronto’s Estonian community to continue and thrive, inspired him to support development of KESKUS, the International Estonian Centre, currently under construction in downtown Toronto.

Asko also shared his skill and love of construction with friends and family. He was in his element when presented with renovation or repair challenges and was always available and willing to pitch in with advice and solutions. A hammer, saw, screwdriver and tape measure were always within reach! He could methodically break down complex projects into manageable steps needed to solve any problem. His handy-work was always thorough and sound.

In retirement he continued to enjoy travel, especially back to his native Estonia, which was now flourishing as a free and independent nation within the European Union and NATO. On weekends Asko loved spending time up at the Jõekääru family cottage. But most of all, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up to become independent, intelligent adults.

In his final years, he cherished life at Ehatare Retirement Home, which he deemed to be “hotel living.” He was grateful for the love and support provided by staff and fellow-residents. Asko always enjoyed an engaging story, a funny joke or a laugh with good friends.

Asko’s time among us ended on Monday December 2, 2024 at Ehatare. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife Ellen (1926-1983). He leaves behind son Toomas (Rita), daughter Katrin, grandchildren Eva, Mihkel (Christine) and Eduard (Cassandra), plus his canine buddy, Oakley.

In memory of Asko and in lieu of flowers, a donation to support KESKUS, the International Estonian Centre or a charity of your choice, is truly appreciated. Please click the "Donations" tab above, to make an online donation.