Obituary of Mel Latvala

Passed peacefully surrounded by his family at Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Born in Creighton Mine, Ontario, in 1933, the son of Laila and Vaino. Beloved husband for 57 years of Mailis (nee Hohter). Dear father of Lori Latvala (Chuck Terry) of Puslinch and Port Bruce; and Donna English (Kevin Gabrys) of King City, Ontario. Loving grandfather (Pappa) of Kaitlin and Matthew English. Survived by sister Leila Lakanen (Tom) and brother-in-law Leo Hart (late Kaija), all of Sudbury. Predeceased by cousin Betty Dabous (Wilf). Remembered by Todd English of King City and nieces and nephews: Rick Lakanen (Val), Deb Bakker (Gerry), Brian Lakanen (Rhonda), Ken Hart, Kathie Davidson (Ian) and Kevin Hart (Jennifer). Special thanks to Drs. Chin, Ernst, Shearer, Sexton, Lee and Bauman who treated Mel so kindly, as well as Lisbet, R.N., at the London Regional Cancer Program, and the nurses at Victoria Hospital (B9) who were so wonderful during his last eight days. Mel was a printer at the Sudbury Star for many years and worked at the London Life Print Shop for 10 years prior to his retirement in 1995. He was an avid golfer at the Idylwylde Golf Club in Sudbury, then at Greenhills and most recently at West Haven in London and winters in Panama City Beach. Mel’s quick wit and humour will be deeply missed. The memorial service will be held at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London, on Thursday, March 28th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. A celebration of life will also be held in Sudbury in the sunny weather. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mel are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation – Cancer Centre, Byron United Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.