Veikko
Honkala
1/15
/1943 - 5/17/2020 Rest in
Peace
Member, Friend, Supporter
Remembering Veikko
as a musician: For decades Veikko Honkala provided the
musical entertainment for countless events at the
Finnish Center at Saima Park. He was a regular at
the very popular Saturday night dance held weekly for
many years. I remember Saima Park being important
to me for those years just to go dancing. Dancing
was important to me and Veikko was a very good
friend. We all loved Veikko, his personality and
his music. Wow, I am so thankful for the memories.
Veikko always volunteered his musical talent just like
so many other ones he had. Looking around at FCSP today,
there are and always will be reminders of Veikko's many
talents.
Maija Märd
Veikko did so much for Saima!! Many
years ago during a slump time for getting volunteers to do
the many projects required to keep Saima going he was
always there. He was our handyman!
He could play the accordion, fix the roof and make the
mashed potatoes at our Thanksgiving dinner and always with
a smile.
His skills, generosity and sense of humor made him very
special. Sad
to see him go.
Linda Byrne
I remember that Veikko was instrumental in
building the platform from which the President Kekkonen
program was presented. It was used for years for the
Summer Festival programs. Then when we did Finnfest
in 1984, he took it apart and rebuilt it out in the field
for the programs presented then. I would say that
Veikko was the Frank Ruosteoja of his day; important in
the upkeep and development of every project for many
years.
But I must say that Veikko's music along with his buddy
Puutio and later others was a very important addition to
many programs. They often played for dances, for
music at the Tori and at Armas Kaukoranta's promoted
Independence Day programs.
Roy
Helander
In his own quiet and friendly way, Veikko was
always helpful and supportive getting projects done.
When a movie screen was being installed, he just smiled,
reached over, took the drill and finished what would've
otherwise taken all day!
When the ravintola's summer kitchen was being transitioned
into a library/museum space, he was there with his truck
and his tools to pitch in.
He volunteered his time to renovate the function hall
kitchen, building the counters and cabinets. His
lasting contributions are invaluable.
Marian
“June” Flinkstrom
I remember when there was anything to be
repaired, Veikko, always was there to help. He also
cleared the ski paths in the winter. He was always
at all our meetings and our events. He was very good
with wood. Of course he made saunas, but I remember
one year at Tori he sold some chip and dip wooden dishes
he made. I am so glad I bought one. Veikko
will be missed very much.
Jane
Guercio
I know Veikko more from when we worked at
Seppala & Aho. He surely was a finish (Finnish)
carpenter. I remember the last big project he did, which
was the roof on the hall. When he asked Charlie and I to
start grooming the ski trails and instructed us on how to
use the snow machine, he was very thankful that he was
passing the touch to someone that would be taking care of
the park as he did. Of course Veikko service
to the Saima was when membership was high and the ski club
was still active and many members volunteered.
Veikko will surely be missed and all his talents.
Frank Ruosteja
My remembrance of Veikko goes back to FINNFEST
84 with jack of all trades skills being used to there
fullest, if something needed building, repairing etc. ask
him and he’d do it or know someone that could.
His maintenance of the Ski trails, getting them skiable
after a storm, he was there.
He was always available when needed!! RIP Veikko!!
Lloyd
Hannula
Early on
when I became more active in the happenings at Saima Park,
I kept hearing that Veikko was the man to go to whenever
anyone had a question or problem relative to equipment,
building maintenance, etc. He could be relied upon
to do just about anything and everything including cooking
for special dinners, cleanup, providing musical
entertainment with the Finn Trio accordion group, keeping
the trails open and in good condition for cross-country
skiing, general all around upkeep of the park and
buildings and serving on Saima's Board of Directors for
many years. He could be called "MR. SAIMA
PARK". He will be deeply missed.
Nancy Fors
“Kiitos paljon” to Veikko Honkala
for all he did for the Finnish Center at Saima Park. We are
gratefuland
fortunate that he so generously shared his many
talents.
Lorna Sulin
Veikko will be well
remembered. He was a great man, will be
greatly missed. Deepest Sympathy to his family
and friends.
Ed Nummelin
Deepest Sympathy to
Veikkos family & friends.... We know Veikko long
to time....
Karl Makela
One of the
best carpenters I ever met...Master of his trade and a
true gentleman..!
