Mr. Herbert Uustalu, age 90 years, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice with loved ones nearby on December 13, 2015.
Born in Narva Jõesuu, Estonia on April 28, 1925, Herbert's early life was spent with his parents Rudolf and Pauline (nee Ungur) and older brother Leonhard on their idyllic farm near Sirtsi village. At 16 years of age Herbert and Leo began work in an oil refinery. Eventually, Herbert advanced his skills and trained to be a machine fitter which blossomed in him a lifelong interest in all things mechanical.
At 18, Herbert's life changed forever. Estonia was invaded by both Germany and Russia. Herbert was separated from his family, never to see them again in person. It took ten years for a letter to finally reach his parents to let them know that he was alive. Herbert made his way to Belgium where he met other Estonians who were displaced by war. There he worked in a mine but found this work not to his liking so he signed up to be a fireman-trimmer on a ship. This ship ran between England, Sweden and Belgium. Eventually, Herbert began working on ocean vessels, some of which sailed to Canada. He arrived in Thunder Bay (Port Arthur) in December of 1951 and to his great relief landed a job at the Shipyards.
In a few years, Herbert met and married Sunta (nee Tarvis, also from Estonia). Daughter Erika was born soon after. Herbert worked and continued his studies for many years and attained the position of Chief Marine Engineer. He loved his job and was a very hands-on and well respected Chief. He worked for several different ship companies and retired from sailing in 1985. The years after retirement were spent enjoying his rural home near Murillo, building and repairing whatever needed attention and enjoying his family and friends.
Herbert is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter Erika (Archie), grandsons Kyle, Kalev and Isaac. Herbert was predeceased by his wife Sunta, parents Rudolf and Pauline and brother Leo.
Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and medical professionals who cared for our dad, especially Dr. Ek for his many years of care and the staff at St. Joseph's Hospice who helped dad's final days be comfortable and pain free.
Funeral services for Mr. Herbert Uustalu will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma with Pastor Jari Lahtinen officiating. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations to St. Joseph's Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com