John Gary Anttonen, (Dumper) age 79 after a short battle with cancer passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 22, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay.
Gary was born in Port Arthur and attended Jumbo Gardens, Algonquin and Hammarskjold Highschool.
Gary had many friends and spoke about his childhood in Jumbo Gardens with great pride whether it was playing pranks, hanging out with the boys or fishing afterschool. Gary had a natural talent and excelled at all the sports he was involved in as a youngster.
Gary’s work ethic was impeccable as the main provider for the family. His claim was never missing a day even when he cut off his toe with a pickeroon, while chopping wood at the family home.
Gary had many jobs as a young man and eventually starting hauling logs for Richard Koski Trucking before floating equipment for Lebrun Construction. Eventually Gary moved into the position of shop foreman for Lebrun and MLA Construction before early retirement. Gary was also a proud 40-year member of Local 793.
In retirement, Gary enjoyed woodworking, putting his skills and creativity to use by making projects for his family. Whether he was building something with his own hands or sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren he created lasting reminders of his love and care for those closest to him. He was also a collector of many things, coins, postcards and photos. He had a love for cooking and split pea and ham soup was his speciality.
Gary solely owned only FORD vehicles and purchased many in his lifetime with his favorite possibly being his 1969 Mustang BOSS 302.
Gary bought his family home on Government Road from his brother Rodney, where he would spend the rest of his life raising his 4 children with his wife and making countless memories with his grandchildren.
Gary together with Judy enjoyed watching Nascar races, cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays or the Maple Leaf’s. They enjoyed frequent road trips to Duluth or Black Bear continuing their travels right up until his diagnosis. Sirius Radio became dads go too, as they would listen to all eras of music and dad would sing along. Even in Gary’s final months, music is what truly soothed his soul giving him the chance to stay calm during his biggest battle.
With almost 60 years married Judy and Gary raised 3 Lively boys John, Joe, Mark (Joyce), and on Father’s Day of ‘73 he was overjoyed to finally have a daughter Cristy (Antti). However, Gary’s greatest joys were his grandchildren, Daniel, Carissa, Josh, Zachary, Ray, Jarmo, Jacob, Kelti, Jordan, Maccus, Ally and Macie; his great-grandchildren, Callie, Wes, Jett, and Lotti. He is also survived by his sister, Judy and his brother, Larry, (Corileen) along with numerous family members and friends who will dearly miss him.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Clara and Reino; his brothers, Bob, Rodney, and Keith; and his beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Macie and nephew Leroy.
As a family our favourite pastime would be going for adventurous Sunday rides in dad’s Ford pick-up with our dog Sam. You never knew where we would end up. Exploring chicken trails and crossing rickety bridges which added to the fun. Mom would just laugh as she was so confident in dads driving.
His grandkids are grateful for all the simple, special moments they shared with him, whether it was asking Grandpa for a ride, throwing a ball around, picking peas in the garden, working alongside him on his woodworking projects or playing grandpas iconic game “tick tock coo coo clock”, These everyday moments may have seemed small at the time, but they became the memories his grandchildren will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Gary’s life will be held at North McIntyre Rec Centre on Government Road on November 22nd, 2026 from 1-4 p.m.
For out-of-town family we will come together to honour Gary’s legacy next summer.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group for the wonderful care, kindness, and compassion shown to Gary. Your support and dedication are deeply appreciated by his family and all who loved him. Should friends so desire a donation made in Gary’s name to their charity of choice would be appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Rest peacefully, forever in our hearts., Until we meet again
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