My Wedding Day, 60 years ago.

July the month to remember the great men in my life, and my two dear friends.

Thursday, July 29, 1954.

Viljo William Maki married Betty Ann McDonald.

Viljo 23 years old, Ann 19 years old.
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Thursday, July 29, 2004. The Maki's were married 50 years ago.

Bill and I went to the Prospector Steak House for dinner with Shirley Kapush and my sister Monica Osadec.

Betty and Bill Maki. A good time was had by all. Bill's quote.

Friday, July 29, 2014.

Betty Ann Maki without Bill.

God gave us 58 years.

60 years ago today, we were married.
Still miss you Bill, you were the best.





                                       My Wonderful Father-In-Law.

 Henrick Lahdesmaki, born July 29, 1904, died November 13, 1985.

Henrick was born In Teuva, Finland. He came to Port Arthur, February 1927. He worked in the bush for many years. He married Irja Sandstrom, November 16, 1930. Bill was born October 6, 1931. Mr. Maki left the bush work life behind and open his own Shoe Repair Shop. He then changed his name to Henry Maki, and built his own home, 95 Machar Avenue, Port Arthur, Ontario. The shop was in the front of his home. Henry Maki learned to be a shoe maker in Finland. It was the job he would have his whole life. 1938 -1939, Port Arthur Bearcats won the Allan Cup, their coach showed Mr. Maki how to crown a hockey skate. Till the day he died everyone who lived in this area and played hockey took their skates to Henry Maki. He was the most kind, gentle human being I have every know. His son Bill, was a very much like him, even during his last 19 days.

 July 23, 2014.                          John Joseph McDonald.

My Dad was born, November 5, 1871, died July 23, 1941. I was 6 years, 8 months old when my dad died overnight in McKeller Hospital, Fort William, Ontario. He was born in Quebec City, Quebec. Dad worked on the CNR as a Switchman. He was 63 yeras old when he married my mom, Barbara Erdenyi, 30 years old. Mom was born in  Hatalova, Slovakia,  June 5, 1904. She came to Canada, November 1927.

                                                       Our Nephew.

Laila & Mauri's son, Wayne was born on this day. Bill loved Wayne with his whole heart and so do I. He is a great human beign.

                                     
  A visit from Kathy and Barry.      July 4, 2014.

My dear friends came to visit me. Barry and Kathy were my neighbours until they moved to British Columbia. I have fond memories of Kathy and me sewing. She was a unconventional sewer, who freed me from worrying about how things were going to turn out, if I didn't follow all the instructions. All my sewing teachers demanded perfection. Kathy and Barry have always been there for me, come hell or high water.  I miss and love them dearly. Take care my friends, Barry and Kathy.

 Barry, I love you.

I have two sons, Allan and Chris, four grandsons, Jeff, Trenton, Avery, Brayden, one great-grandson, Brady. All are Maki men. Bill and I were always proud of them, and I still am.