Willy Parfenuik – Sept 20, 2025 (revised)

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Willy Parfenuik passed away on September 20, 2025 at 70 years old after a long stay in hospital.

Willy was a member of the Plumbing group and retired around 2014 after about 30 years at CSA. He’d been a hockey coach, a union leader and a proud Ukrainian. A wine enthusiast, he was also known for sharing “refreshments” on the golf course. Gone too soon, he was a friend to many and will be fondly remembered.

A private funeral will be held, with a ‘Celebration of Life’ at a future date.

Please share your memories of Willy or condolences for the family by leaving a comment below or on his memorial page.

CSA Retirees’ Club AGM – Recap

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Many thanks to the people who participated in our March 6, 2025 AGM via Zoom. We were reporting on our October 2023 – September 2024 fiscal year. It was a small group, but we covered lots of ground.

Here are some notes from the meeting:

  • Terri Smith, Susan Morley and Daniel Barbini were renewed as directors for another 2 year term.
  • Mel Doig stepped down as director after being part of the executive for many years. THANKS MEL! Mel did a fabulous job organizing events (like the Grand River Lunch Cruise, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and several others) and patiently produced minutes of our meetings.
  • Dave Zimmerman was appointed as a director of the Retirees’ Club.
  • We reviewed our finances and are in good stead to continue to hold and subsidize events for our members.
  • We held (or supported) 7 events in FY 23-24 with 216 attendees (members and guests).
    • EMBA XMAS Dinner & Dance
    • Weston XMAS Lunch
    • Chicago (the musical)
    • Mandarin Lunch
    • Formula 1 Exhibition
    • Banksy Art Exhibit
    • YYZ Airside Tour followed by lunch at Arizona’s
  • We continue to organize lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at various restaurants with 8-18 people attending.
  • We’re currently planning our annual lunch at the Mandarin with a date to be announced soon. And we’ve already held (or supported) 4 events in FY 24-25
    • Come From Away (the musical)
    • EMBA XMAS Dinner & Dance
    • Weston XMAS Lunch
    • The Lion King (the musical)

Thanks to all who were able to join in on the meeting.

Ron Wilson – Feb 5,2025

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Ron Wilson passed on February 5th at 91.

Ron was a long time member of CSA and served as an Inspector, supervisor and manager for the Field Services team. In retirement Ron attended many retiree events. Check out some photos of Ron below.

Ron’s obituary published in The Toronto Star can be viewed by clicking here.

Lawn Bowling 2015 – Ron is 2nd from the right
Credit Valley Train 2015 – Ron is 2nd from the left.
Inspectors 1980s – Ron is in the last row on the far right

EMBA Membership

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Did you know that as a CSA Group retiree you can be an EMBA member? EMBA is CSA Group’s social committee. For only $68.25 per year you can enjoy all EMBA events at special member pricing. In past years, EMBA members have been skiing, golfing, to the race track, Blue Jays games and more. They celebrate the holiday season with a children’s Christmas party and a dinner & dance.

To become a member of EMBA: contact EMBA at emba@csagroup.org and you will be directed on how to e-transfer your membership dues.

Timo Venalainen – December 1, 2024

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Timo Venalainen passed away on December 1, 2024 at the age of  77. 

Timo worked at CSA for 37 years. He joined as a Certification Engineer after graduating from U of T. He became the Senior Engineer of the Audio/Video group in the 1980’s while the team was still at the Taber Road location.  He was promoted to Technical Manager, Electronics in 2003.  Although rather quiet, Timo excelled in providing technical training to the team. 

Timo was an active tennis player and organized the CSA Tournament several times.  He was a proficient skier and always attended the CSA ski trips.  Timo was active in his retirement attending many retiree events.

Timo is survived by his wife Lorna and sons Marty and Jonathan, who works at CSA.

The visitation will occur on Wednesday, December 4th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Ward Funeral Home at 2035 Weston Road, Toronto, with the funeral service (also at Ward) on December 5th at 10:30am (Toronto time). Lunch will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed.

For more information and to leave your message of condolence to Timo’s family, please visit: https://www.wardfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/timo-venalainen