OBITUARY
Fitchburg
Armas I. Kaukoranta, 81, died Wednesday April 21, at home with his loving
family at his bedside.
Armas was born in Pera Seinajoki, Finland the son of Arvo and Lilja
(Sepponen) Kaukoranta. He was a graduate of the Business College in
Kokkola, Finland, coming to live in Fitchburg in 1954.
Armas was the loving husband of Barbara (Rautio) Kaukoranta for 54
years. Father of: Cindy M. Higgins, Carol Boudreau, Gary Kaukoranta and
Darlene Kaukoranta. Grandfather of Gregory, Benjamin, Alexander,
Kimerlly Kathy and David.
Armas was active in all associations dealing with the Finnish heritage: the
CO-OP, Raivaija, Elm St. Congregational Church, where he sang in the
choir, Finnish Golden Age, Finnish American Club of Saima and Finnish
American Marathon Association. Because of his promotion and support of
Finnish Culture he was awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of the
White Rose, by the President of Finland, which was presented to him by
the Ambassador from Finland in April 2007. Armas spoke fluent Swedish,
some Russian and what was kiddingly called "Finglish" Armas was also
well known to local politicians.
Armas was a paper maker at Crocker-Burbank, Weierhaueser, for 25 years.
Armas and Barbara enjoyed 27 years of retirement and world travel.
His energy, enthusiasm and zest for life will be greatly missed by all who
knew and loved him. Armas Isak Kaukoranta was a truly unique individual.
We were blessed to know him.
A funeral service will be held on Monday April 26 at 3:00 P.M. in Elm St.
Congregational Church 264 Elm St. Calling hours will precede the funeral
from 1 to 3 P.M. in the church.
Contributions in his name may be made to the Leominster Art Association
Inc. P.O. Box 643 Leominster, Ma. 01453. Bosk Funeral Home 85 Blossom
St. is assisting the family.