May 2, 1942 – November 18, 2025
Mr. Gene H. Niva, age 83 years, passed away suddenly in St. Joseph’s Hospital on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Gene was born on May 2, 1942 and raised in Kaministiquia at Siistonen’s Corners. He began working at an early age for his Uncle Jack, and spent most of his career in the forestry industry. He took pride in maintaining his trucks over the years. Gene was a Broker for Lakehead Freightways for 8 years and received many safe driving awards. He retired from Shuniah Forest Products as a welder.
Gene met the love of his life, Virva Viherjoki, at a Kam dance. He soon began courting his ‘City Girl’. After marrying, they enjoyed many years camping, fishing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Their daughter Liisa completed their family. Gene was very proud of her accomplishments. When granddaughter Miia arrived, he was a very proud Pappa. Gene’s girls were everything to him and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He always looked forward to the road trips to Ottawa to visit Liisa and Miia.
Gene enjoyed all types of music, ranging from Waylon Jennings to Andrea Bocelli to the Gypsy Kings. There was always music playing in the house and garage. In retirement, Gene enjoyed landscaping at home and at his niece’s restaurant, Niva’s. He was especially proud of the log sauna he built at Shebandowan Lake. Gene also loved Saturday morning breakfasts with his brother, Raymond – often solving some of the world’s problems. He was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church for over 40 years
He had a great love for his family. Gene leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Virva; cherished daughter, Liisa and precious granddaughter, Miia; his brother Raymond and nieces Tammy, Debbie, Vicki and Rhonda, and their families. He is also survived by numerous relatives here and in Finland.
Gene was predeceased by his parents, Martha (nee Wuorela) and Niilo Niva; brother Adrian; sister-in-law Nancy; and mother- and father-in-law Valma and Sulho Viherjoki.
Our family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff at TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospital for the care and comfort you provided to Gene.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:00am in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, officiated by Pastor Jari Lahtinen. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 30 after 6:00pm in the Everest Chapel.
Should friends so desire, donations made in Gene’s memory to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation in support of the new Cardiac Care Unit would be greatly appreciated.
Gene was a good man and will be deeply missed.
“And this is what He has promised us, eternal life.” – 1 John 2:25
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
