The legacy of Risto Laamanen is vast, say those who knew him. He was a major force in commercial and industrial construction and mining, and he was a builder of the community.

The Sudbury businessman, 61, died Monday.

“He has left a lasting legacy in our community,” said Debbi Nicholson, president and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

“He was honourable and honest. He believed in his community very strongly. And he gave back to it. He did it quietly. He did not look for any recognition. He cast a wide net around this community.” Nicholson said he was instrumental in the development of both Science North and Dynamic Earth. “Many parts of the community were touched by him,” she said.

“He was honourable and honest. He believed in his community very strongly. And he gave back to it.”

Debbie Nicholson
President and CEO of the
Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce

“Sudbury has just lost one of its greatest thinkers,” said Dick Cousineau, former president of the Sudbury Construction Association.

“The amount of money he gave out to this community is enormous. People do not realize how much he did give anonymously.”

Pat Montpetit, executive director of the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin, said Laamanen was key in the group’s 11,000 square foot renovation project at Pioneer Manor in 2006. Though she did not know him, she said when she called him, he jumped at the chance to sit on their building committee.

“He knew exactly what materials cost when we presented him with the quotes we received on our $2 million project.

He also saved us $100,000 in project management costs because his firm took care of that for us. When we needed something, he knew who to call. He was so loved people were always eager to help us out.”

Cousineau said Laamanen was always in good spirits wherever he went.

“He was always happy. His death will be a huge shock for everybody in the community,” said Rod Jouppi, president of the Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge in Lively.

“Risto loved wildlife and the environment. It has always been part and near and dear to Risto’s heart. He was a great supporter of our efforts. He donated the project management of the building site for our new education and acute care centre for injured and orphaned wildlife we are constructing.”

The 5,000 square foot facility was begun last fall and will be officially open next spring. “The whole project is worth about $1 million. Without Risto, this project would not have taken shape. He provided expertise and help for the project. He donated sizable portions of the footings and basement for the building,” Jouppi said.

“As he said, his parents are in the cemetery right across the road. They would be helping oversee the project as well.”

Teresa Deck, office manager at the Sudbury Construction Association, said Laamanen was a member of the association for 35 years. “He was a long-time member and supporter of our organization. His son, Kris, was a board member until recently. This is a sad occasion because he was so well-known,” she said.

Cousineau said Laamanen was always well respected as a businessman. “He was a certified engineer. He certainly knew what he was doing. His father was an excellent carpenter and was a great help in the business.”