Vernon Wayne Maki of Thunder Bay (formerly of Kaministiquia), age 80, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice on July 28, 2026.
Vern was born in Port Arthur on September 8, 1945, to Tauno and Toini (née Oikonen) Maki. He grew up in Kaministiquia and made many lifelong friends there. He attended Mac Donald School, Hillcrest, Lakehead University and Ryerson. After spending six years as a department manager at Sears, Vern switched careers and joined Great Lakes Paper, where he worked in the Kraft Machine Room for over 30 years before retiring as a machine tender in 2003.
As a teenager, Vern spent his summers working on the Oikonen farms in Mokomon and Murillo. It was during this time that he developed his strong work ethic and passion for farm tractors, which stayed with him throughout his life.
Once you’re from Kamlander, you always are. A few years after marrying Rosalind (née Seabrook) in 1968, they built their first home in Kam on Dawson Road. There they raised three children, had a big garden, and yes-a tractor! In 1999, they decided to stop the long commute to town and built a house in Thunder Bay with a smaller garden and no tractor.
Vern was practical and capable. He had an endless curiosity about how things worked. There weren’t many machines he couldn’t figure out-especially if he could take them apart first! Unlike most of us though, he had the rare skill to put them back together too. And unlike many of us again, he never left a job unfinished.
Vern loved retirement! He spent much of his time helping countless people with small construction projects, repairs, and renovations.
He was hardworking but also knew how to have fun. He enjoyed being around family members and close friends. His grandchildren would always seek him out because he was such an enthusiastic playmate-he had all the patience and energy to keep up with them!
Vern will be fondly remembered by his wife Rosalind; their children Johanna, Jen (Brad), and Chris (Jodie); grandchildren Skye, Cole, Cameron and Harper; sisters Arlene (Armas) and Delores Lehtonen; brother-in-law Rod (Mary Ann), along with dear friends Carol and Bob. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.
He was predeceased by his parents, mother-in-law Ethel Seabrook , and brother-in-law David Lehtonen.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the first responders as well as the doctors, nurses, and support staff at TBRHSC 2A & 2B , St. Joseph’s Hospital2North, Hospice, and Physiotherapy for their care & compassion.
If friends would like to honor Vern’s memory , donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay, the RFDA , or any charity of your choice.
Losing Vern has created a void in our family that words can’t fully express. We mourn his passing deeply but are thankful for the life he lived , the example he set , and our many cherished memories.
Those who knew Vern are invited to join his family in celebrating his life on September 29 ,2026 from11:00a. m. to2:00 p. m. at the Italian Cultural Center(guest arrival at11:00, a reception will follow words of remembrance). A private graveside service & interment will take place afterwards at Riverside Cemetery.
Condolences can be sent through www. nwfainc. com
