Tovio Freisting, 90

Mr. Toivo Freisting, age 90 years, resident of Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home, Kenora, passed away February, 17, 2005 at Lake of the Woods District Hospital. Born on November 5, 1914 in Port Arthur, he was raised in Gorham Township, moving to Port Arthur in 1928 to attend Cornwall Public School and Port Arthur Technical and Commercial High School. In 1931 he and his family joined the Finnish emigration to live and work in Karelia/Russia. The family managed to return to Canada in 1934. He was employed as a clerk at pulpwood camps until he established a service station business on Dawson Road. He later worked as a real estate broker in Thunder Bay for several years. In 1942, he married Helen Wainio, who predeceased him in 1982. In retirement, he enjoyed many winters at his condo in Florida, and ultimately moved to Rainy River, where he married Emma Gemmeke in 1988. Throughout his life, he was an enthusiastic boater and fisherman. He also enjoyed camping in his travel trailer. Toivo is survived by his wife, Emma; his children, Shirley Leggett (Jim) of Thunder Bay, Edwin (Vancouver), and Dan (Kenora); his grandchildren, Catharine Leggett (Thunder Bay), and Clarke Leggett (Jen) of Surge Narrows, BC; great grandchildren Jenna and Robbie Leggett, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Emmi Freisting, and his brother Don. Cremation has taken place. According to his wishes, a private internment of ashes will be held at a later date. Services entrusted to Northwest Funeral Alternative.