It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Rein Talvak, in his 95th year. He was born in Tallinn, Estonia on May 3, 1930. Rein is survived by his daughters Eva Gainer (Jonathan Asmus), Lea Somers (Jack), and Lisa Talvak (Bill Agnew); grandchildren James Gainer (Candace), Sara Gainer (John Shields), Aaron Somers (Emily), Kailee Rembosz (Mike), Brandon Somers (Anna Francesca), Eric Agnew and Lauren Agnew; great-grandchildren Cameron & Hannah Gainer, Carter & Chase Shields and Benjamin Somers, as well as his niece Heidi Traynor (Rick), grand-nieces Brittany & Brigitte Haney and their families and grand-nephew Jesse Traynor. Rein was predeceased by his long-time girlfriend Eva Lagrois, sister Silvi Robi, brother-in-law Ilo Robi, nephew Arne Robi, son-in-law Don Gainer and grandson Bryan Gainer.

During World War II, Rein's family escaped from Estonia to Germany and then moved to England. Rein emigrated to Canada in 1953, at the age of 23 and lived with his family in Toronto. In 1957, he married Viena Tuomisto. They settled in Oshawa and had three daughters. Rein worked as a Tool and Die Maker at General Motors for 35 years, where he earned the nickname "the Mad Inventor" for his creative inventions.

Rein was always very physically fit and active. He enjoyed down-hill skiing, ski jumping, swimming, tennis and table tennis. He was a long-time member of the Oshawa Ski Club (now Brimacombe) and the Oshawa Tennis Club. Rein also enjoyed driving motorcycles, flying small airplanes and scuba diving. His other great pastime was going to the family cottage on Crowe River in Marmora, Ontario where he loved to swim, scuba dive, host family and friends and work hard to keep the property in tip top shape. Rein was a truly unique individual who loved his family and always lived life to the fullest.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend at Thornton Funeral Centre, 1200 Thornton Road N., Oshawa (905-579-6787) on Tuesday, January 14th, from 11:00am - 2:00pm. Visitation at 11:00am and Memorial at 12:00pm, followed by a Luncheon.

Donations in memory of Rein to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated.