Obituary for Hannu Olavi Horstia
July 31, 1950 - May 3, 2020
Hannu Horstia went to be with Jesus peacefully on May 3, 2020 at the age of 69.
Hannu is survived by his wife, Kirsti; daughter Elina; sons Harri and Eric; brothers Paavo (Marlies), Antti (Eila), Eero (Saana); sister Helca (Jorma) and leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Hannu was predeceased by his parents Olavi and Katri.
Hannu was born in Helsinki, Finland on July 31, 1950.
Hannu grew up as the oldest of his siblings and with his brothers he enjoyed exploring forests, swimming in lakes, and the sauna. He was always taking apart and tinkering with almost anything and he loved riding motorbikes and cars. Together with his brothers they also liked to bug their little sister. Hannu graduated with a degree in automotive engineering from Helsinki Technical College and completed further training at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. Life changed completely for Hannu when he met a beautiful girl named Kirsti!
Hannu and Kirsti were married on June 16, 1973 in Helsinki. Elina and Harri were born in Finland and the family moved to Calgary, Canada, in 1978. Eric was born in 1980 completing the Horstia family. Family was always precious to Hannu. He loved being with his wife and kids and valued quality times learning, exploring and having fun on the weekends and family holidays.
Hannu's career spanned almost every area of transportation from cars to trains to airplanes. In the automotive industry he got to test drive supercars for “quality control”. In the railway industry he enjoyed working on big locomotive engines instead of small car engines. In the airline industry he oversaw safety and security for airport operations and he loved teaching and training team members. The highlight of his career were the relationships that he developed with co-workers many of which turned into long-lasting friendships.
Hannu loved tools, cars and fixing things for his family and friends. Being a part of his church community was important to him and he enjoyed serving in many areas like teaching Sunday school, pre-marriage mentoring for young couples and leading songs at a seniors home. Relaxing didn't always come easy to him, but he always made time for reading and could talk with almost anyone about almost anything from his wealth of knowledge. Traveling to see family and friends abroad or going on a cruise were some of his favourite vacation times.
Even more than what Hannu did, what made him exceptional was who he was. Hannu's life was a reflection of his faith in God and his desire to follow the example of Jesus. He was always ready to help and serve those in need and was generous with his time, money and hospitality. While Hannu had three kids of his own, he was called "Dad" and "Grandpa" by many more - he made everyone feel like part of the family! He loved telling and listening to stories and his dry sense of humour always brought laughter, once everyone caught on! He was a man of character and integrity and inspired those same qualities in those around him.
Hannu was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be tremendously missed.
Rakkaus ei koskaan katoa.
Due to current restrictions on social gatherings, a celebration of Hannu’s life will be announced at a later date when family and friends can be together, hug and share fond memories of an amazing man.
For those who wish to make a donation in Hannu’s memory, please do so to:
Samaritan's Purse Canada (https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/)
20 Hopewell Way NE Calgary, Alberta, T3J 5H5
PO Box 34160, RPO Westbrook, Calgary, Alberta, T3C 3W2
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Hannu please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
Hannu Horstia went to be with Jesus peacefully on May 3, 2020 at the age of 69.
Hannu is survived by his wife, Kirsti; daughter Elina; sons Harri and Eric; brothers Paavo (Marlies), Antti (Eila), Eero (Saana); sister Helca (Jorma) and leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Hannu was predeceased by his parents Olavi and Katri.
Hannu was born in Helsinki, Finland on July 31, 1950.
Hannu grew up as the oldest of his siblings and with his brothers he enjoyed exploring forests, swimming in lakes, and the sauna. He was always taking apart and tinkering with almost anything and he loved riding motorbikes and cars. Together with his brothers they also liked to bug their little sister. Hannu graduated with a degree in automotive engineering from Helsinki Technical College and completed further training at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. Life changed completely for Hannu when he met a beautiful girl named Kirsti!
Hannu and Kirsti were married on June 16, 1973 in Helsinki. Elina and Harri were born in Finland and the family moved to Calgary, Canada, in 1978. Eric was born in 1980 completing the Horstia family. Family was always precious to Hannu. He loved being with his wife and kids and valued quality times learning, exploring and having fun on the weekends and family holidays.
Hannu's career spanned almost every area of transportation from cars to trains to airplanes. In the automotive industry he got to test drive supercars for “quality control”. In the railway industry he enjoyed working on big locomotive engines instead of small car engines. In the airline industry he oversaw safety and security for airport operations and he loved teaching and training team members. The highlight of his career were the relationships that he developed with co-workers many of which turned into long-lasting friendships.
Hannu loved tools, cars and fixing things for his family and friends. Being a part of his church community was important to him and he enjoyed serving in many areas like teaching Sunday school, pre-marriage mentoring for young couples and leading songs at a seniors home. Relaxing didn't always come easy to him, but he always made time for reading and could talk with almost anyone about almost anything from his wealth of knowledge. Traveling to see family and friends abroad or going on a cruise were some of his favourite vacation times.
Even more than what Hannu did, what made him exceptional was who he was. Hannu's life was a reflection of his faith in God and his desire to follow the example of Jesus. He was always ready to help and serve those in need and was generous with his time, money and hospitality. While Hannu had three kids of his own, he was called "Dad" and "Grandpa" by many more - he made everyone feel like part of the family! He loved telling and listening to stories and his dry sense of humour always brought laughter, once everyone caught on! He was a man of character and integrity and inspired those same qualities in those around him.
Hannu was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be tremendously missed.
Rakkaus ei koskaan katoa.
Due to current restrictions on social gatherings, a celebration of Hannu’s life will be announced at a later date when family and friends can be together, hug and share fond memories of an amazing man.
For those who wish to make a donation in Hannu’s memory, please do so to:
Samaritan's Purse Canada (https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/)
20 Hopewell Way NE Calgary, Alberta, T3J 5H5
PO Box 34160, RPO Westbrook, Calgary, Alberta, T3C 3W2
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Hannu please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.