MEMORIES OF THE HOITO IN THUNDER BAY

 

 

MEMORIES OF THE HOITO IN THUNDER BAY 

I was introduced to the Hoito when I went to Lakehead University. It was known for its good food and good prices (their famous Finnish pancakes were the attraction), and it became a regular eating place for many students, especially students from out of town; and if I’m not mistaken, it was purchased by a former LU student who came from Sault St. Marie. After university, I had to go to Thunder Bay to pick up supplies for my contract drywall taping and painting business, and I often stopped off at the Shuniah township office and see if my friend Ozzie Kankkunen, who was the former town engineer in Nipigon, was free for breakfast, or lunch. Ozzie loved the Hoito’s liver and onions, and it became one of my favorites as well. And I often went to Chapters in the city with my friend George Zurowski (now deceased) to pick up new books as well as The New Yorker, Atlantic, Harper's, and other magazines; and then we’d go to the Hoito for a meal. George more often than not had Mojakka (fish soup). We would also pick up our mutual friend Ernie, a retired civil servant, if he was free, and we’d have long philosophical discussions with our meals. In fact, I wrote a novel inspired by our friendship called An Atheist, An Agnostic, and Me; but it’s not published yet. I have many wonderful memories of the Hoito, and it’s sad to see it go this way. It will be missed.