In Memory of

Roy

Edward

Kari

Obituary for Roy Edward Kari

In memory of Roy Edward Kari
February 18, 1941-April 16, 2017

Roy left us on April 16, peacefully in his sleep, following a stroke earlier this year from which his progress was steady and determined, despite the severity of the injury. He was the loving husband of Heini (Heinonen) Kari, father to son Shannon (Susan Chapman) and daughter Siobhan (Mark Manzer), and Pappa to Thomas Manzer, who shone bright in his grandfather’s eyes. Son-in-law to Veikko and Ellen Heinonen, both predeceased. Brother-in-law to Kyösti (predeceased) and Denise Heinonen, and uncle to Travis and Tennille (Mike Larosa). Roy is also remembered fondly by step-father-in-law Unto Virolainen, and cousins Linda Nummela of North Bay and Aare Toivonen and Antti Eskola of Finland, and his children’s mother, Elizabeth (Ron Swiddle). He was predeceased by parents Arvi and Ester (Nummela) Kari, many aunts and uncles, and half-sister Kerttu Nevala of Finland. Roy was born in South Porcupine to a Finnish family in 1941. Although his father died in a mine when Roy was 2 years old. Roy was raised by his mother, and his aunt and uncle, Aino and Isak Mieto. Roy remembered those formative years with delight. Roy attended the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto where he graduated with a PhD in Theoretical Chemistry. Subsequently he attended the University of York in England on an NSERC scholarship and was fortunate in obtaining a professorship at Laurentian University. He was the first president of the faculty association, and late in his career became the Director of Institutional Research until his retirement in 2003. Life pre-and post-retirement was a joyous journey of learning. A voracious reader, especially in the areas of history, science and politics, he ensured that the Sudbury Public Library system expanded its breadth of new materials. After retirement, he spent many hours on his motorcycles with his wife Heini, journeying throughout North America and even Tuscany, Italy. Heini credits him for making a rider out of her as well. They rode with old friends and made new ones along the way, discovering every back road and local eatery. Roy spent hours planning the next motorcycle trip and searching for routes that were both challenging and scenic. Roy thoroughly enjoyed the company of his friends and family and could be relied on for advice, help, a ride to an appointment, or just chat over a cup of coffee. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff in the ICU, STROKE UNIT and Intensive Rehabilitation Unit at Health Sciences North. Their care was professional, thoughtful and personal.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Vale Living With Lakes on Saturday, May 6th at 1 p.m. for those who would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to a charity of your choice or to PET SAVE animal rescue in Lively. It was there that Roy and Heini adopted Mimmi, an older cat who brought much joy to their home. Roy was a teacher and guide to his family and to so many others he encountered. We will miss you and try not to get lost without you. In Roy’s words: It was a fabulous ride and his only regret is that he can’t do it over again.
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.