Obituary of Eric William Valavaara

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Eric William Valavaara, 63, passed away suddenly on October 15th 2023 in Cranbrook, BC. He was born on September 10th 1961 to parents Viljo Valavaara & Pirkko Hakala Valavaara in Lachine, QC. 

Eric attended Lakehead University and graduated with an Honours Bachelor in Outdoor Recreation in 1985. He served in the Canadian Army Reserve in Thunder Bay, ON from 1981-1984. 

He moved to Fernie in 1989 and worked in various roles at Line Creek Mine including as a Light and Heavy Duty Mechanic. He retired as a Maintenance Implementation Specialist from Teck Resources Limited in 2020. 

He was an avid cycler enjoying both mountain and road biking throughout his life. 

He was a guitar enthusiast and could often be found on the worship teams at Mountainside Community Church in Fernie and the Cranbrook Alliance Church. He had recently taken up painting and signed each canvas with his high school basketball nickname “Swoosh.” 

He was pre-deceased in death by his mother Pirkko, father Viljo and older sister Anne. He is survived by his daughter Kaarina Valavaara and son Sami Valavaara. His surviving family are grateful for the abundance of love and support they have received since his passing. 

A public Celebration of Life will be held at Mountainside Community Church in Fernie at 3:00 pm on Saturday October 26th, 2024. 

Memorials or donations can be made to Hungry for Life International. He participated in a mission trip to Uganda with this organization in 2012 and spoke fondly of his time and service there.