It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Walde (Walter) Saarimaki on April 9, 2026, at the age of 97, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. 

Walter was born in Buckingham, Quebec to parents Iita and Anton Saarimaki. He was the youngest of 5 brothers. When he was 3, his mother passed away, and Walter relocated with his father to Sprucedale, Ontario. Upon completion of Elementary School, Walter relocated to Toronto where he pursued auto mechanics at Central Technical School. 

Walter went on to work with Austin Airways in Sudbury, fixing and flying bush planes, then moved further north to Geraldton, where he worked at MarBen with his brothers. Walter eventually moved to Thunder Bay, and began his heavy truck mechanic work at International Harvester Trucks.

Upon retiring, Walter began his volunteering career with Founders Museum and Pioneer Village, working with founder Fred Goodfellow, and as the museum expanded, became a fixture as part of the ‘boys in the back’, (Bill, Russell, Don, and Fred) working to repair and restore many display items and buildings. 

Walter is predeceased by his parents, his wife Beverly, infant sons Adam and John, and his brothers, Pentti, Erkki, Hannu, Martti, Pauli and step brother Oliver. Walter is survived by his son Anton (Erika) of Ottawa, daughter Carol, and grand-daughter Melissa. There are also many nieces and nephews. 

A very special thank you to all the caring and compassionate health care professionals at Thunder Bay Regional who cared for dad in his final days. Your kindness, professionalism, and attentiveness to keeping dad comfortable was wonderful. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay and/or Oliver Paipoonge Historical Park (formerly Founders Museum and Pioneer Village) would be greatly appreciated. 

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com