The family of Matti Veikko Pasivirta are saddened to announce his passing in the wee hours of Tuesday October 13, 2026.
Matti was born in Viipuri Finland on January 27, 1932, to Einar and Ellen Pasivirta (predeceased)
Matti came to Canada on May 5, 1956, at the age of 24. Almost immediately he got a job at INCO. He worked there for 34 years as a millwright scale mechanic.
Matti was an active member of the Finnish Pentecostal Church serving in many leadership roles: band, choir, elder, treasurer (38 year) and later chairman. He loved his Finnish heritage and community. If life wasn’t already busy, he loved to be a part of the different committees at Finlandia Home, as well being the treasure for the Finnish Veterans.
When Matti first came to Canada one of the first bands that he played in was called the Sudbury Band. Matti loved music and felt it a privilege to play the French Horn in the Sudbury Symphony, he sang with Dr. Robert Hall’s university choir for those big performances, a favourite being Handel’s Messiah.
Friday night hockey games back in the day, Matti skated hard and fast with the older teens when church groups played against each other. Those were great times.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Marlene of 69 years, daughter Beverly (Mark), son Robert (Nadia). Grandchildren: Stefan, Nathan (Chantal), Emily (Matt), Noah ( Emma-Liisa). Great grandchildren: Isaac, Aaron, Julie, Silas, Robbie. Matti has a younger brother Peter (Sharon) who lives in Vancouver. He was predeceased by his older brother Joukko.
Also left to remember Matti are cousins, nieces and nephews in Finland and out west, also Matti’s special cousin Lea, who lives in New York.
Matti’s church and church family was very close to his heart.
We the family would like to extend warmest thanks to some who have been involved with his care. Dr. Theresa Mirka, you became like family to us, thank you! Matti only had 4 sleeps at Finlandia Home, but we are so very thankful to everyone for the compassion and care that he received there!!
Friends are invited to the Finnish Pentecostal Church (1843 Paris Street) beginning at 1:00 pm Friday October 16, 2026, service beginning at 2:00 pm There will be coffee and a light lunch served afterwards.
Donations to the Finnish Pentecostal Church or the Finlandia Home would be appreciated.