It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Stanly “Stan” Harold Auranen, a good man and a true gentleman, who passed away this August at Teck Pioneer Residence.
Stan was predeceased by his father, Matti; his mother, Martha (Filppula); his first wife, Cecile (Fournier); his sister, Laila Nupponen; his brother-in-law, Oliver Nupponen; his nephew, Richard Nupponen; his brothers-in-law, George Shanks andRon McCallum; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Finland.
Stan is survived by his wife, Denise (Leblond), as well as hermany brothers- and sisters-in-law and their children.
He is also survived by his sister, Helen McCallum, and her three children and their spouses; his sister, Irja, and brother-in-law, Paavo, and their two children and spouses; his brother, Leo, and sister-in-law, Jayne, and their three children and spouses;great nieces and nephews as well as his late sister Laila’s and George’s daughter and relatives in Finland.
Stan’s life was marked by a deep sense of love, responsibility, and devotion to his family. When his two youngest siblings left the family farm, Stan cared for his mother until she could no longer remain at home. He cared for her with great love and compassion.
Stan was a devoted husband. He loved and cared deeply for his first wife, Cecile, visiting her in the hospital every day for months until her passing in 1996.
His love and dedication continued with his wife, Denise. When Denise fell ill last summer, Stan visited her daily in the hospital and later in long-term care. He dearly missed her. Stan joined her in TPR for only six weeks until his passing. He he was extremely happy and content to be reunited with his love, Denise.
Stan’s father, Matti, passed away at the young age of 48. As the eldest son, Stan took on the responsibility of helping provide for his mother, Martha, and his younger siblings, Irja and Leo, who were still living on the family farm in Marquis Township. He was generous with his love and enjoyed spoiling them with many gifts.
In 1965, Stan purchased a brand-new Moto-Ski snowmobile. This was a very exciting time for all the kids, who enjoyed it for many years. Even as the snowmobile grew old, it continued to run and was affectionately referred to as “the Klunker.”
At the age of 16, Stan began working as an apprentice mechanic for Walter Little’s/Dominion Consolidated in Kirkland Lake. After a few years, he attended trade school in Toronto, where he obtained his heavy-duty mechanic’s licence. He returned to Kirkland Lake and continued working at Walter Little’s for many years, until the business closed in the 1980s. Stan later continued his work as a mechanic and eventually worked at the MNR tree nursery until his retirement.
Stan also provided his family and friends with many wonderful memories and stories. One year at the Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival, he participated in a snowmobile hill climb at the snow dump. Riding his brand-new Mercury Twister, Stan nearly reached the very top of the hill. Unfortunately, his climb went sideways—literally. The sled rolled sideways all the way down to the bottom. Thankfully, Stan was okay, although the sled suffered some casualties. It remains a fond and lighthearted memory, and a reminder of just how much fun we all had with Stan back in the day.
Stan was also a superb cook and baker. He was known for making delicious rye bread, lemon meringue pie, Finnish pulla, Finnish stew (mojakka), and perfectly prepared meatballs and gravy. He loved his sweet treats, ice fishing, grilling burgers on the barbeque, spending time at his cottage near North Bay with his wife Denise. Stan and Denise built a lovely stone Canteen at the farm in Otto twp. The stones were hand picked and carefully placed to perfection. It was truly remarkable and charming. They often had family at the Canteen in the winter months with an abundance of delicious food and a cozy fire in the wood stove.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and doctors for the care Stan received during his recent stay at Blanche River Health, as well as to the staff at TPR in Kirkland Lake. Stan greatly appreciated the kindness, care, and attention he received.
Special thanks are extended to Donna Young and “G,” whom Stan affectionately referred to as his “back washer,” from Closing the Gap, as well as Jennifer Simpson for her thoughtful and compassionate nail care. Thank you to Justin at Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative for his kindness and guidance.
Stan will be remembered as a kind and devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man who gave generously of himself and cared deeply for those he loved. His kindness, dedication, humour, and the many memories he created will be cherished by all who knew him.
We will cherish the memories made with Stan and miss him very much.
A send off gathering will take place on October 10th. Details with be made available in the near future.
