We are heartbroken to share that Ilkka Allan Eratie passed away at TBRHSC on August 6, 2026 after battling a long illness. He was born in Kalajoki, Finland on February 8, 1947 to Kauko and Kerttu Eratie. After living in both Finland and Sweden, the family moved to Port Arthur in 1951. Allan received his education at Conmee one room school (now located at Heritage Village), Vance Chapman Public School, and Lakeview High School. He later attended Queens University in Kingston where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Allan enjoyed working as an electrical engineer across Canada, from the Alberta Suncor oil sands to the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station site and even at the TBRHSC project. He was always thinking and tinkering with various projects. A sports enthusiast, he played scrub hockey with friends even in the Old Timers League. As an armchair athlete, he loved cheering for his favorites in hockey and tennis. The Junior World Hockey season brought him much excitement as he would often call us with updates on scores and who was winning. We will truly miss those calls from him. He had a knack for computers and emails too. Allan was preceded in death by his parents Kauko and Kerttu Eratie, sister Helena Saari, brother-in-law Mauno, and nephew Timo Luoma. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Eija (Glen), sister Gunilla “Ginger”, former wife Violet Mc Whirter, and her daughter Mandy. Also mourning are nieces Rita (Randy) Anderson, Anne (Ralph) Miettinen, Eila (Bruce) Mac Lean, Leila (Karl) Nagy; nephew Brian Saari (Diana, deceased); niece-in-law Wendy Luoma; along with their families. Cousins Paula, Raimo and the Kraft families also remember him fondly as do many family members and friends here and back in Finland. Cremation has taken place and a family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church, TB Salvation Army or any charity of your choice. Our heartfelt thanks go out to neighbors, Paramed staff, 2A TBRHSC staff and doctors for their caring support.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
