Obituary for Ritva Helena "Pohjavuori" Wheaton
Wheaton, Ritva Helena ( Pohjavuori)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ritva Wheaton, a long-time resident of Saskatoon, and Calgary on January 10, 2021 at the age of 88 years.
Ritva is lovingly remembered by her daughter Leslie Tepavac (Radovan) and her 3 granddaughters, Jovana, Mara, and Tatijana, all of Calgary, AB; sister Laura van de Laar of Saanichton, BC; sister-in-law PJ Allen-Pohjavuori of Regina, SK; niece Sheree Lee Pohjavuori of Regina, great nephew Jamie and family. She was predeceased by her father Hugo in 1989 and her mother Kerttu in 1994, her brother Yarmo in 2013, nephew Marlin, Sister-in-laws Ruth McIntyre and Joyce Gulenchyn, Joyces husband Nick Gulenchyn, and Dr. Ross Wheaton in 2016.
Ritva was born in Regina on July 2, 1932 and grew up in the Kronau area where her parents farmed. Her father and mother(Hugo Pohjavuori and Kertuu Pulkkinen) had come to Canada from Finland in the late 1920's and through hard work provided well for their family, just in time for the dirty thirties and the Depression.
She received her primary education at St. Johannes School, a rural one-room schoolhouse four miles from the farm, took her grade 9 by correspondence and completed her high school at Central Collegiate in Regina, receiving class pins each year. In 1950 Ritva moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan graduating with a B. Sc. in Nursing and was honoured to be the Senior Pin in her class. She was a graduate of Saskatoon City Hospital taking her 2 year practicum at the School of Nursing. She was employed at Royal University Hospital as a Clinical Instructor in Surgical Nursing until marriage when she worked as an office nurse, receptionist and bookeeper in her husband's practice.
While at university she sang in the choirs of Grace United Church and Knox United Church and enjoyed participating in the University Operettas which were performed at the old Capital Theatre. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for a number of years until family and other interests took priority.
In the early 1960's Ross and Ritva moved to rural Saskatoon where they became involved with Standardbred Harness horses for many years, establishing a breeding farm and racing stable. Under the name Mark II Farm. Ritva did the bookeeping and boarded the various trainers who worked with them as well as a number of young men who stayed with the Wheatons while they finished their high school and helped out with the horses. During racing season the Wheatons travelled widely in Western Canada following their horses on the circuit.
At this time Ritva was also active in rasing and showing German Shepherd Dogs and since 1960 had been an active member of the Hub City Kennel and Obedience Club holding numerous executive positions in the club. She found more enjoyment in dogs when her daughter also became involved--Leslie becoming an obedience instructor, dog breeder and a licensed Canadian Kennel Club judge of both obedience trials and conformation shows. Ritva travelled to many shows in Canada with her dogs and especially enjoyed observing the large national specialty shows in the USA where she could see hundreds of the best German Shepherd Dogs in North America. Ritva appreciated the many friends she made through her association with the sport of dogs.
Ritva was an avid reader, never without books or her daily newspapers. She especially enjoyed historical novels and mystery stories and had a keen interest in current events, politics and world affairs. Bridge was another long-time favourite pastime.
In August of 2017, Ritva moved to Calgary to be closer to the grandkids. Ritva got to have weekly suppers with them; she got to watch swim meets, cross-country races, track meets, etc. Came to the house and played with our dog Athena, etc. It was great. When her dementia became more difficult, we adjusted and started to have holiday lunches, etc and things in the morning, when Ritva was in a good mood. It made such a difference.
The family would like to thank the residents and staff of United Active Living--Fish Creek for their caring and support. Ritva got such outstanding care and attention and kindness from everyone. The United Minds dementia program was so wonderful for Ritva. Her favourite program hands down was Music with Jimmy. Such a blessing for her.
In October 2020, Ritva fell and hurt her wrist. She spent 55 days at South Health Campus. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff on Unit 68 who were so good to Ritva there.
In December, Ritva moved to AgeCare Glenmore. Every single staff member went out of their way to be kind and caring to Ritva. The family is so grateful, beyond words, to all of you.
Now Ritva is at peace. Thank you to everyone who was so kind to her on her journey.
Family prayers were held in Calgary on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021, with Reverend Joanne Anquist from McDougall United Church officiating. It was a beautiful service, and very comforting to the family.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a celebration of Ritva's life will be livestreamed from Calgary on Saturday, January 30th, 2021, at 11:00 am MDT.
Here is the link to the livestream Livestream, which will not be live until Saturday morning. If having trouble connecting, search McDougall United Calgary AB videos and go to the livestream on the site.
A private family graveside service will be held in Regina, where the final resting place for Ritva's ashes will be with her father and mother at Riverside Memorial Park.
Anyone wishing to make a bequest in Ritva's memory may direct it to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation or University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing, or a charity of one’s choice.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Ritva, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ritva Wheaton, a long-time resident of Saskatoon, and Calgary on January 10, 2021 at the age of 88 years.
Ritva is lovingly remembered by her daughter Leslie Tepavac (Radovan) and her 3 granddaughters, Jovana, Mara, and Tatijana, all of Calgary, AB; sister Laura van de Laar of Saanichton, BC; sister-in-law PJ Allen-Pohjavuori of Regina, SK; niece Sheree Lee Pohjavuori of Regina, great nephew Jamie and family. She was predeceased by her father Hugo in 1989 and her mother Kerttu in 1994, her brother Yarmo in 2013, nephew Marlin, Sister-in-laws Ruth McIntyre and Joyce Gulenchyn, Joyces husband Nick Gulenchyn, and Dr. Ross Wheaton in 2016.
Ritva was born in Regina on July 2, 1932 and grew up in the Kronau area where her parents farmed. Her father and mother(Hugo Pohjavuori and Kertuu Pulkkinen) had come to Canada from Finland in the late 1920's and through hard work provided well for their family, just in time for the dirty thirties and the Depression.
She received her primary education at St. Johannes School, a rural one-room schoolhouse four miles from the farm, took her grade 9 by correspondence and completed her high school at Central Collegiate in Regina, receiving class pins each year. In 1950 Ritva moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan graduating with a B. Sc. in Nursing and was honoured to be the Senior Pin in her class. She was a graduate of Saskatoon City Hospital taking her 2 year practicum at the School of Nursing. She was employed at Royal University Hospital as a Clinical Instructor in Surgical Nursing until marriage when she worked as an office nurse, receptionist and bookeeper in her husband's practice.
While at university she sang in the choirs of Grace United Church and Knox United Church and enjoyed participating in the University Operettas which were performed at the old Capital Theatre. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for a number of years until family and other interests took priority.
In the early 1960's Ross and Ritva moved to rural Saskatoon where they became involved with Standardbred Harness horses for many years, establishing a breeding farm and racing stable. Under the name Mark II Farm. Ritva did the bookeeping and boarded the various trainers who worked with them as well as a number of young men who stayed with the Wheatons while they finished their high school and helped out with the horses. During racing season the Wheatons travelled widely in Western Canada following their horses on the circuit.
At this time Ritva was also active in rasing and showing German Shepherd Dogs and since 1960 had been an active member of the Hub City Kennel and Obedience Club holding numerous executive positions in the club. She found more enjoyment in dogs when her daughter also became involved--Leslie becoming an obedience instructor, dog breeder and a licensed Canadian Kennel Club judge of both obedience trials and conformation shows. Ritva travelled to many shows in Canada with her dogs and especially enjoyed observing the large national specialty shows in the USA where she could see hundreds of the best German Shepherd Dogs in North America. Ritva appreciated the many friends she made through her association with the sport of dogs.
Ritva was an avid reader, never without books or her daily newspapers. She especially enjoyed historical novels and mystery stories and had a keen interest in current events, politics and world affairs. Bridge was another long-time favourite pastime.
In August of 2017, Ritva moved to Calgary to be closer to the grandkids. Ritva got to have weekly suppers with them; she got to watch swim meets, cross-country races, track meets, etc. Came to the house and played with our dog Athena, etc. It was great. When her dementia became more difficult, we adjusted and started to have holiday lunches, etc and things in the morning, when Ritva was in a good mood. It made such a difference.
The family would like to thank the residents and staff of United Active Living--Fish Creek for their caring and support. Ritva got such outstanding care and attention and kindness from everyone. The United Minds dementia program was so wonderful for Ritva. Her favourite program hands down was Music with Jimmy. Such a blessing for her.
In October 2020, Ritva fell and hurt her wrist. She spent 55 days at South Health Campus. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff on Unit 68 who were so good to Ritva there.
In December, Ritva moved to AgeCare Glenmore. Every single staff member went out of their way to be kind and caring to Ritva. The family is so grateful, beyond words, to all of you.
Now Ritva is at peace. Thank you to everyone who was so kind to her on her journey.
Family prayers were held in Calgary on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021, with Reverend Joanne Anquist from McDougall United Church officiating. It was a beautiful service, and very comforting to the family.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a celebration of Ritva's life will be livestreamed from Calgary on Saturday, January 30th, 2021, at 11:00 am MDT.
Here is the link to the livestream Livestream, which will not be live until Saturday morning. If having trouble connecting, search McDougall United Calgary AB videos and go to the livestream on the site.
A private family graveside service will be held in Regina, where the final resting place for Ritva's ashes will be with her father and mother at Riverside Memorial Park.
Anyone wishing to make a bequest in Ritva's memory may direct it to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation or University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing, or a charity of one’s choice.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Ritva, please visit www.choicememorial.com.