Obituary of Tapio Murto

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Tapio Henrikki Murto (Tapsa; Electrical Engineer M.Eng, retired) of Ottawa, Ontario on Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Alta Vista Manor located in Ottawa.

Tapio is survived by his son Kimmo (Susan Humphrey) and two grandchildren, Tomi and Taija. He is predeceased by his wife and soul-mate of 56 years Ilona (nee Raatikainen), his parents Yrjo Arvid Murto and Aili Maria Murto (nee Stenroth), his two brothers (Kalevi and Ilkka) and sister (Marjukka).

Tapio was born in north Pirkkala (now Nokia) Finland on September 18, 1932, and grew up in the small city of Heinola. He studied electrical engineering in Helsinki and helped to develop Finnish television broadcasting services in the 1950s, after which he met Ilona, a schoolteacher and WWII veteran, through a bizarre sequence of circumstances and they were married in Pirkkala in 1962.   

Immigrating to Ottawa in 1963 (the attraction being Ottawa was the same size as Helsinki), Tapio quickly acquired a position at the National Research Council Canada and then transferred to Bell Northern Research as an electrical engineer for 20 years, acquiring along the way a Masters Engineering degree through Carleton University and four patents. The last 15 years of his career involved private companies and a 10-year Canadian naval career protecting frigate electrical systems from nuclear electromagnetic pulses. On the side, he was the faithful partner and picture framer for Ilona’s Arteca Gallery business from 1971 to 2006.

His family will remember him as a tall, highly intelligent and kind man with a sense of humor, who was fiercely proud of his Finnish upbringing, cared for his wife deeply, and was forever curious about all things. He was very proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments and spoke about them often. The family wishes to thank the Revera Alta Vista Manor staff including their on-site physician, Dr. Heather Galbraith, for their excellent and compassionate care, as well as his family physician Dr. Lisa Moore and the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their excellent and attentive care over the years. In addition, a sincere thank you to his private PSWs Mercy Durian and Maria Le, his neighbors and the Personal Choice Independent Living agency who enabled Tapio to stay in his own home until just a few months prior to his passing. Finally, a sincere thank you to Reverand Joel Crouse and the Finnish community at St Peter’s Lutheran Church for their spiritual and cultural support. 

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre-2500 Baseline Road, Monday, January 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. that will conclude with a short Funeral Service. Interment will be at 11:00a.m. Saturday February 3rd.