July 3, 1940 – October 2, 2019
It is with heart breaking sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Roy Olavi Ayranto on Wednesday October 2, 2019. Beloved husband of Helma, much loved father of Margaret (Chad), Ed (Tara) and Wes (Emily) and Grampy/Papa/Wookie to granddaughters Ariel, Meghan, Abby, Cordy, Clara and of course grandson Oli. Big brother to John (Marilyn) and uncle to Mark (Kate), Peter (Katherine) and Patrick (Tanya).
After emigrating to Canada in 1952, Roy lived with his parents and brother John in various parts of Ontario. The greatest part of his formative years were spent in Sudbury while his father was at a lumber camp and on his family’s farm in Dunnville Ontario. He met the love of his life Helma at Dunnville high school. They dated for almost 8 years before marrying September 4, 1965, in Hamilton Ontario. Roy earned an Engineering Degree at the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of Manitoba. He began his career designing farm and construction equipment at International Harvester and then moved into logistics at Molson’s and later at Seaway Midwest. While working at Seaway Roy demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by opening the first coin operated Car Wash in Hamilton Ontario. This tendency toward entrepreneurship led Roy into Canadian Tire in 1977. After serving as a dealer in Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland and the Toronto area, he then moved to Sudbury Ontario in 1992. His first franchise in Sudbury was in a downtown location and in 1995 he opened a larger location in the south end of the city. Roy saw his Canadian Tire operations as a true family business, he often commented that the operation of the business was analogous to a family farm — everyone had to do their share. In addition to Canadian Tire Roy had a number of business interests over the years which included a Geothermal start-up company and ownership in Sudbury Highlands Golf Course. Through all of this Roy and Helma had a partnership that was to be admired. They worked amazingly well together and took advantage of each other strengths. They had a great love and respect for each other, but in part their success can be attributed to a clear definition of roles. As their youngest son, Wes, described it as a young child. Dad is boss at work and Mom is boss at home. Roy had a variety of interests that kept him busy including recreational flying, race cars, golfing and of course supporting his grandchildren in their varied activities. He will be missed greatly, by so many dear friends and family.
Friends will be received at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Monday (October 7) 6:00-8:00pm; and Tuesday (October 8) 10:00 – 11:00 am followed by a Memorial Service starting at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations made to either:
Canadian Tire Jump Start – https://secure.ctjumpstart.ca/registrant/DonationPage.aspx?eventid=211185
Rainbows for all Children Canada – https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rainbows-for-all-children-canada/
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Kathryn Miller
Roy was one special person. Loving son, brother, partner, father, grandfather and friend. A huge gap has opened in life, not to be filled but to be stuffed with gratitude, love and memories. May strength be with Helma, his children and grandchildren as they find their way forward without this giant of a human being.
Marland Mann
My sincere condolences to Helma and family. I was a long time friend of Roy’s from the Seaway Midwest days during the 70’s. I enjoyed our past visits together.
Marland Mann
Peter nadler
Helma. Roy has always been one of my very favorite people. I can remember my visits to port-aux-basques as though they were yesterday as well as many fond memories over the years. My sincere condolences to you and the kids.
Peter Nadler
Janis and Mike Ramsay
Wes and family: We are thinking of you during this difficult time. And although I never knew your dad, this is a lovely write-up on his life and loves. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Jack Fleetwood
Helma & Family, Margaret & I extend our deep condolences for your loss of your husband, father & Grandfather he was very special.
Margaret & Jack Fleetwood
Cindy Hennick
Ed & Family,
You and your family are in my heart and mind. My condolences on the passing of your father.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, and courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
the Skvorc Family
For a man who accomplished so much, it seemed he was most gratified by his wife and family who were everything to him. Our love and condolences to all for your loss.
Kaarina and Henry
We are all so very sad to hear of Roy’s passing. When we first arrived in the US 50 years ago, we quickly went to visit my Auntie Margit and my cousins in Canada. Although we had never met before, we were both welcomed with open arms. Roy was always proud of his Finnish heritage, and family was all important to him.
Roy was a robust and ebullient guy with a big personality. Roy was always good company and a generous host and we had lots of laughs together. Helma and Roy were a great match and you could see and feel how happy they were together.
Roy will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, cousin Roy!
Kaarina and Henry & family
Elaine & Leo Ruprecht
Dear Helma and Family,
Leo and I send you our heartfelt condolences on your loss of a very special husband and family
man, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
Rachel
Dear Ed, Tara, Meghan and Abby,
I’m so sorry for you loss. I will be thinking of you all. I hope the memories you had with your Dad, Father Iaw and Opa/Grampa will help through this time. You are a beautiful loving family. Again I’m so sorry. Love Rachel Gordanier
Ps – he had the kindest eyes ever xo
Sue Hamilton
Sincere condolences to the entire family.
Peter Olsen
Ed,
We have been very fortunate to have had our fathers with us for so many years, most are not so lucky. I share in your grief as we lost ours almost 2 years ago very suddenly. You will be told over and over that it`s much better to be sudden than have suffered, at this time it`s hard to understand but as time goes understanding comes. Cling to family as they will be the rock you need to lean on, be strong but take time to grieve. Take care of mom as she has lost her life long partner and will need her family closer than ever. Keep friends close as they can be a great outlet for distraction. Most of all remember dad as a proud father and grandfather who for sure boasted about his family everywhere he went.
Our Thoughts and Prayers
Pete and Jenn
Gerhard & Gladys Stahnke
We are so sad and are thinking about you and your family. Roy was so kind , helpful and a wonderful person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have fond memories of our time together in Florida.
Arnold Westlake
To Helma Ayranto and family:
So sorry to hear of Roy’s untimely passing. We knew Roy through his activities with Canadian Tire, particularly with his arrival in Sudbury. He was well respected by his fellow dealers and for his community support throughout his business career. Please accept our condolences at your loss.
Colin & Merike Barron
Our deepest sympathy to Helma and her lovely family at this very sad time. Roy was a great friend and family man, and we will always remember the jovial, kind-hearted and generous man that we met and got to know through mutual friends. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Wayne Ford
Roy was one of the first Dealers I met when I joined Canadian Tire some 42 years ago. He was always full of joy when dealing with any issue and he always made it feel like we were working together as a team. When I think about some of the memorable Dealers I have met Roy’s name always comes to mind.
My sincere condolences
Wayne Ford
Carole Seydel
Dear Helma and family, it is with incredible sadness that we send our love and condolences to each of you. We will cherish so many wonderful memories of our times together over the many years we had as true friends. Roy was A very special man.
Love Carole and Leo Seydel and family
Joan and Ken Lindey
We are so sad to hear about Roy’s passing. We were introduced to Roy and Helma by mutual friends when we were all spending our winters in Florida at the Four Lakes complex in Winter Haven. We have so many happy memories of the many times we all were together over the years. Our thoughts are with you, Helma.
Love,
Joan and Ken Lindey
Gary, Norma Laughlin
Wes, Emily and family.
Losing a parent can be extremely difficult because you are losing a source of strength, stability and consistency in your life. We are so sorry for your loss.
Gary, Norma Laughlin and family
Ken and Diane Mann
Helma
I was fortunate indeed to know Roy over many years with the Tire and value the time you he and I enjoyed lunch at the retired dealers meeting a few years ago
Please accept Diane and my sincere condolences
John skirving
So very sorry to hear….John Skirving (retired Dlr 129 Hamilton Ont)
Diane
So very sorry to hear this sudden loss. Gone far too soon. Our hearts are with you. Much love from Roddy, Diane (Olsen), Nathan & Andrea Bridges
Jane (nee Kelly) Wakelin
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you peace during this difficult time and may the support of loved ones bring you strength.
Nancy Martin
Margaret, Ariel & Cordy
I am very sorry for the loss of your father & grandfather. Margaret has always spoken so fondly of her father and what he has meant to her and the girls. She has recounted stories of his kindness, concern for family and his loving ways.
I was fortunate enough to meet him at her home and it was clearly obvious that his family was his world.
I offer my condolences to his entire family and hope that fond memories of Roy bring you comfort.
Jill Da Silva
Dearest Helma, Margeret, Chad, Ariel, Cordy and family,
Carlos and I were saddened to hear of your loss, of a very special man! I will remember Roy as a happy and devoted Husband, Father and Grandpa. Not many people have such a special man as Roy in their lives. Thelma and Roy created such a loving family and that love and devotion permeated down to all of their grandchildren as well. Well done Thelma and Roy!
Much love and prayers to all of Roy’s family at this very sad and difficult time.
Love Jill and Carlos Da Silva
Xoxo….
Henri Ravary
Sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. I started my Canadian Tire training with him back in 1977.
What a great family man, a super merchant, will always be remember for his great humour and his generosity.
He will be missed, but not forgotten.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Henri Ravary (hravary4@hotmail.com)
Jim & Carolyn Marshall
Jim & I were shocked to hear of Roy’s sudden passing. We will miss his smiling face and interesting conversations at the annual Senior Dealers Meetings.
Our condolences to you, Helma, and your family.
Jim & Carolyn Marshall
Robert Bell
Dear Helma and Family,
I was saddened by the news of Roy’s passing, I remember the Canadian Tire events with you and Roy, he was always a gentleman. My Deepest Sympathy and thank God for the memories which we can never lose.
sincerely,
Robert Bell
Joanne Hanna
Wes & family.
My deepest condolences to all of you.
I met Roy at Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club a few years ago where I work in the pro shop. He was always such a gentleman, friendly & smiling. He truly enjoyed his Thursday League nights, playing with his buddies.
He will be missed.
Joanne Hanna
Neil Hardie
Ed, Tara and family,
So sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. He was a very special guy and someone I truly enjoyed spending time with. Condolences to you all and especially to Helma.
Peter, Teresa & John Hunkin
Ed & Tara our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Uncle Peter, Teresa & John
Craig Young
Helma, Margaret and family – Thinking of you all with heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. May Roy rest in peace and may all of your wonderful memories of him bring you comfort. Craig & Stacey Young
Carol Redston
Helma and family,
I cannot believe Roy is gone. I didn’t know Helma and Roy until my father, Gordon Redston, died suddenly in 2015. You both became co-Executors of his will, and as a partnership, you could not have been more loyal, generous, and kind. I learned that Roy was an exceptionally thoughtful and intelligent person. He was a great friend to my father. I will always be deeply grateful to you both.
Dorothy Desjardins
Dear Helma, and family, I am so sorry to hear of Roy’s sudden passing. We were neighbours for
many years at Horseshoe Valley. Helma your children and grandchildren will be a great treasure for
you at this time of loss and will be a great comfort to you.
Dorothy Desjardins and Family
Pat Hutchison
Helma,
You and your family are in our thoughts at this time.
Sincerely,
Laddie & Pat Hutchison
Igor and Victoria Maiorov
Dearest Helma and family, in those seven years we were near you, you became more then good neighbours, you became part of us. Now one part is missing. Our hears are aching for your loss. Roy has left a huge mark in our lives and lives of our children. The thought is yet to sink in. We wish the world had more people like Roy to make it a better place. He will forever be in our hearts. Please take care of yourself and stay strong for your family. We wish we could say one last good bye… Always in our thoughts and prayers. Much love from all of us. Igor, Victoria, Elina, mark and Eric.
David Nicholson
Sending sincere condolences, remembering good times shared during our days at Canadian Tire.
David &Ruth Anne Nicholson
Halifax Nova Scotia.
Sandra A O'Hara
Helma & Family
Sorry to hear about Roys passing. We have great memories when the Ayranto family were our neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy & Dennis O’Hara
Lorie Sloan
Dear Mrs. Ayranto, Margaret, Ed, Wes and families….I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Ayranto’s passing. I remember years ago when we were neighbours in Schomberg….although Mr. Ayranto was a man of great strength and size — he had a gentle soul. As a child at the time, his kindness always made me feel welcomed and respected. During my visits to your house after school or on weekends, it was obvious the love he had for each one of you. Although the loss you feel pains your heart today, may you find some comfort knowing your dad/husband will be remembered kindly to many. Sending all of you hugs. Lorie Sloan