Juhani (John) Allen Hartikainen

December 11, 1967 - January 29, 2026
February 3, 2026 16 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, son in law, and friend John Hartikainen who passed away on January 29, 2026 at the age of 58 after a brave battle with cancer.

John started his career in the Canadian military in the Army Reserves with the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment from 1984 to 1988. That is where he met his wife Cathy and married in 1988. He then worked as a journeyman carpenter, and later as a journeyman millwright.

Anyone who knew John knew of his unstoppable work ethic and deep love of his family. He had many passions over the years from fishing, hunting, and kayaking, to wood working and knife making, and in recent years playing golf, hiking, and being a Pappa. Through the years his passions evolved, but remaining constant was how he drew in his friends and family to share these joys together.

John is deeply missed by his wife of 38 years Cathy Hartikainen, daughter Rachel (Brock) Dermott, son Erik (Jan) Hartikainen, granddaughter Blake Dermott, sister Anne (Kari) Pouru, father Aulis Hartikainen, father and mother in law Art and Deanna Douglas, and many others. He is welcomed to rest by his mother Laila, Roy, and Veikko Hartikainen, and loyal companion Tuk.

Celebration of Life
Friday, February 13, 2026, 2:00PM
Trinity Funeral Home
10530 116 St NW, Edmonton, AB

Those wishing to view the service via LiveStream, may do so by accessing the following link: LiveStreamJuhaniHartikainen

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to donate instead to the Alberta Cancer Foundation: https://albertacancer.ca/donate/

  1. Very sorry for your loss.. John was a good guy, great coworker, and family man..
    Our condolences and deepest sympathy to family & friends..

  2. Rachel and family
    I am so sorry that you have lost such an amazing sounding man. A girl and her father have a unique bond that only they understand.
    Think of him often and with love.
    Linda Finley

  3. My sincere condolences to friend Cathy and family. I know he will be missed.

  4. May you find peace in all your memories you shared together. My heartfelt condolences to everyone. Rest easy.

  5. Sending sincere sympathy and condolences to my niece, Cathy and her extended family. John was far to young to leave us, sending prayers and hugs to all as you navigate this time without John.

  6. John, if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Miss you lots.

  7. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    —Tom and Susan

  8. I was shocked to learn of John’s passing. We were friends many years ago but I never did forget his love of life and kind demeanor. I am so sorry to hear this news. To Cathy and family, please find some comfort knowing that wherever he may now be he will be watching over you.

  9. What can one say about John he was unique he had a great personality, problem solver, work ethic , Husband, Father and grandpa he loved life he loved family, friends, and most of all his Granddaughter John had a great smile and unforgettable laugh, he will be sadly missed by many. My deepest condolences to his wife Cathy and family so remarkably thankful that I got to work became friends with Johnny …..R.I.P. my friend till we meet again

  10. So sorry to hear this about John. He was a great neighbour and always had something to say to have a chat. He will be missed.

  11. Our deepest condolences go out to you Cathy and your family. May you take comfort in your treasured memories with John and hold them dear to your heart.

  12. John, you’re gone WAY too soon. I’ll never forget how close we were, hanging out almost every day in the 80s, going swimming, ice fishing, you name it with John B, Marvin and Paul H. I used to call Lakeview and pretend I was his dad to sneak John out of school to go on all our adventures, and we ALWAYS listened to either Chuck Berry or Harry Belefonte. Nothing else; it was a funny ritual. Sad that we lost touch, but you always have this place in my heart.
    So sorry, Cathy and family. Your loss is devastating; I’m so sad for you.
    RIP John
    Back to back, belly to belly!

  13. Our deep and sincere condolences go out to you and your family, Cathy. Thirty eight years of a shared life will leave a vast trove of memories you can fall back on.

    I found John to be a positive man and looked on the bright side of things, always ready with a smile. We watched a lot of kids soccer games (and practices) together over the years, rain or shine. I wish we all had more time with him.

  14. Dear Cathy & Family,
    We’re very sorry about John’s passing. He is gone too soon. There’s really no words to fill this space. Our hearts are with you all today, and going forward. John’s amazing spirit and love of his Family will always be by your side.

    Frances & Blair Power

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”. An Irish proverb

  15. My deepest condolences to Kathy and the family. John you were one of the best brother. Rest Easy Until Valhalla my friend.

  16. My sincere condolences to you Cathy and your family at this most difficult time.

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