July 1, 1965 ~ July 12, 2026
Donald Alex Lehto, known as “Donny,” was born on July 1, 1965, to Arnold and Ann Lehto. He grew up with his two sisters under the care of a single father along with his Mummo and Vaari until his dad married Aili. This brought him four brothers and eventually another sister. Donny went to Five Mile School and then attended Hillcrest High School where he formed lifelong friendships. He often said he lived a fast-paced life filled with excitement. Known for throwing the biggest parties, he also had an enormous heart for those he loved, always willing to help out.
Donny became skilled in door and window installation by working closely with his dad over the years. His talent and strong work ethic allowed him to work at various companies; however, his time at Exterior Finishing was particularly special due to his close friendships with Reijo Puiras and Randy Spring. Later on, he transitioned into being a caretaker at Finlandia Hall and then took on a role at the apartment building located at 108 Simpson Street for Urban Abbey. These positions allowed him to engage with people while using his creative ideas to make positive changes, forming yet another great work family. His passion for Thunder Bay’s history and old architecture complemented this well. He felt privileged to be part of revitalizing the South Core through his efforts with Urban Abbey and proudly shared this experience with family and friends. One of his main goals was mentoring others in order to keep some part of himself alive through them.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer, Donny never let it bring him down. He fought valiantly without complaints, maintaining a bright outlook filled with humor and displaying much “sisu.” His renewed enthusiasm for life was contagious as he chose to focus on helping those less fortunate instead of dwelling on his own pain. Family ties grew even stronger during this time; spending moments at One Island Lake reminiscing about family history meant everything to him as that place held deep significance going back generations. Accepting that time was limited, he frequently spoke about reuniting soon with loved ones who had passed before him-especially Mummo and Vaari-believing that Mummo was guiding him until the very end. He peacefully passed away at home at the age of 61 with his cat Ulla by his side.
Donny is predeceased by Mummo and Vaari-Aili and Elias Lehto, Mother Aili, Aunt Elaine Lake along with Uncle Ronald Lake, cousins Ronnie Lake and Randy Lake, Brothers Richard Wickstrom, Donald Wickstrom, Raymond Wickstrom and Daniel Wickstrom, Grandparents Haamers (Holland), Uncle Harry Haamers (Australia), dear friend Mike Josephson as well as many other relatives.
He is survived by Father Arnold Lehto (with special friend Diane Korbyk), Aunt Eileen Lehto; siblings Evelyn Lehto; Carolyn Lehto (Terry); Denise Bouley (Andrew); Dennis Wickstrom (Beth); Sisters-in-law Kathy Wickstrom; Carolyn Wickstrom; numerous nephews; nieces; Birth Mother Ann Lord; Uncle Thei Haamers (Holland) along with other family members; special friend Lori Anderson; countless friends co-workers-and everyone whose life he’s influenced throughout his journey.
Even though Donny didn’t want an obituary or service held in his honor because so many wanted to remember him fondly celebrate what he’d done in life together we’ll gather anyone wishing come together Lappe Ski Center (Kam Current Road) Thursday August 13th 2026 from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM.
A heartfelt thanks goes out Doctors Bhat Anthes Cancer Clinic their hard work support truly appreciated donations memory Donny made Urban Abbey TBRHSC Cancer Clinic charity choice would mean a lot.
