HAUTALUOMA, Elmer John November 4, 1920 - April 22, 2014 Passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Elmer was born in Lapua, Finland and immigrated to Canada at the age of 6. He will be dearly missed by his wife Dorothy of 56 years, daughter Nancy (Graeme), son John (Brenda), and daughter Sandra (Dave). Grandfather to Scott (Amanda), Keith (Steve), Craig (Vinny), Arek, April and Jamie. Great grandfather to Archer, Audrey, Noemi, Drew and Matthew. He was predeceased by brothers Vilho Saunamaki, Esko and David, and sister Mary Unger. He is survived by his sister Sophie Jager and many nephews and nieces. Elmer enjoyed a long career as a marine engineer beginning with Union Steamships and C P R's lake and river service in Kelowna. With a shortage of engineers at the time, he was called to work for Seaspan on the famous "Sudbury II" that took part in a dramatic rescue of "The Corrina" on December 24, 1974. With the ending of the tug and barge service on Okanagan Lake, he moved his family to the Island in 1975. He made several voyages to the Arctic aboard the Coast Guard icebreaker vessel "Camsell". He retired in 1986. An avid listener of opera and classical music, he enjoyed many hours playing classical piano. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Sidney Care for the exceptional care given to him. A Celebration of Life will be held at Norgarden, 2300 Henry Avenue, Sidney, BC at 1:30 pm on May 24, 2014.