Tapanila, Helge Samuli

Born in Urjala, Finland on October 8, 1949, he was a son of the late Voitto Tapanila and Elvi McGean (nee Korpi).

Helge is survived by his sisters Helena Renaud of Windsor, Brita Maki (Allan) of Owen Sound, his brother Paul (Annabel), Anneli, Lizzy and Miles of Barrie. He will be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews; Kristi Maki, Jon Maki (Pam), Sarah Orange (Keith)., great nephews Daxton Orange, Corbin Michaud, Great niece Aila Michaud. He was predeceased by his older brothers Leo and Harri Tapanila, brother-in-law Richard Renaud, nephew Eric and niece Amanda.

Helge’s family emigrated to Canada in 1952 and settled in the Sudbury area.  Following high school, he moved to the Toronto area eventually becoming a head locksmith at the Royal York Hotel before the era of plastic cards. He moved to Sydenham Township in the mid-nineties. Helge purchased a 100-acre bush lot and singlehandedly built a cabin in the woods where he lived with a menagerie of furry four-legged friends.  He enjoyed life and loved caring for his animals.  Helge held employment in several different areas of endeavour in the area, ending up at RBW Graphics until poor health forced him to retire in 2014.

Cremation has taken place and private family arrangements will follow.

As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca