Abe Vilho Mansikka

Leah Mansikka 133w

A life too short

You were larger than life Abe. I miss you so much. Every day after work Abram would sit at the island and chat with me while I made dinner. We talked about so many things and whether we agreed on the subject or not, the conversation was always brilliant and friendly. The bench is still there, but is sits empty now. I love you my son. I will catch up with you when we meet again.

❤️

An amazing friend who touched so many peoples lives. Abe had a way of making everyone who got close to him feel like they were his best friend. He lived every day to the fullest and no matter what, you knew if Abe was going to be there it was going to be a fun time. I will forever cherish the friendship and memories I have with him.

Missing my friend

Not a day goes by that I don’t have a memory or a thought of Abe! It’s a bittersweet feeling, it’s sad that they are now just memories but so grateful that I have so many to help warm me, laugh and inspire me! I miss this guy so much! I love you buddy! I’m glad we have these turning heart memorial to keep the memories alive and I will look back and look forward to posting more as we remember Abe.

Spencer Lamash 148w

Abe❤️

Abe was always the man with a plan. When Abe was around no one was ever bored and we were always up to something. Many of my favourite memories start with a text from Abe asking “you free?” And ending with stories that I’ll be able to tell for life. Love you forever buddy

Mackenzie Skerratt 148w

Abe

I remember Abe as a funny, laid back, down to earth bigger brother to Meghan and Hanna, and son to Leah and Pat - who I consider a second family. One of my favourite memories of him is in the basement free styling. Not a care in the world and thoroughly enjoying being in the moment with people he loved spending his time with. No matter how much time passes, Abe will continue to be a big part of all of our lives. Abe’s memory has formed life long connections of many friends of his, as well as the twins. Through every birthday, holiday celebration, and any spontaneous get together, he is with all of us in spirit. We love and miss you Abe 🤍

Visits with Chachi

Where to start. I miss you everyday Abe. So many great memories. You were an amazing nephew whom I adored and loved every minute I was able to spend with you. You were the best son, brother, nephew, grandchild and friend anyone could ask for. I enjoyed the summer visits at Chachi’s and had so much fun spoiling you and your sisters. I looked forward to those visits. Picnics in the park, forts by the pool, endless swimming, movies, bowling and everyone’s favourite treats and snacks. Victory was smitten with you from the day she met you. I remember her first Christmas when you made her the little necklace with the heart on it. She never wanted to take it off. Abe you are always in my heart and thoughts. I talk to you often and hope you hear me. I still have the last text message you sent me where you were talking about coming to visit. It breaks my heart to this day I could not properly say goodbye to you because of Covid and Cancer. Two C words I do not like. Miss you my dear nephew ❤️❤️❤️

William Bao 148w

Cup clapping Abe

This was taken when Abe was trying to play cup clapping game during a dirty bingo night. Obviously he didn't know what’s going on but he still vibed with it. Abe was one of those people that I made friends with after I came to Canada. I had my first golf and ski session with Abe. I’m still not good at either but I know Abe tried his best to teach me to do both haha. It has always been a good time hangout with Abe. Love you Abe.

Honouring Abe

As a big brother, a son, a grandson, a nephew and a friend, Abe always gave his time generously to others. Whether he was editing Hanna and Meghan’s presentations, helping his parents, his relatives or a friend from school, Abe was always available to lend a hand. When I first met Abe, he seemed quiet but I was lucky enough to come to know the “real” Abe. When we were younger, Abe played with his sisters’ friends and I know there are few older brothers who would genuinely have enjoyed joining in the way Abe did. Once we were older, Abe showed that same authenticity when encouraging us to join in conversations with his friends and treating us like his equal. Musically talented, quick-witted and kind, Abe made everyone feel welcome. I will always cherish the memories of the times spent with Abe and the Mansikka family.

Beker Fernandez 148w

Cheers to Abe ❤️

I remember being introduced to Abe through mutual friends during our university days. After a few encounters, I considered Abe a dear friend to celebrate milestones and weekends with! Some of my favourite memories include dressing up as crocodile hunters like Steve Irwin for a beer pong tournament and talking about going to school in Sudbury to continue our education. We are huge fans of playing COD zombies, would pass time chatting over games online and hanging out with our buddies! Love you Abe, cheers to good times together!

Brianne

Every time I came over to the Mansikka house to hangout with Hanna and Meghan, their older brother was around. We never really said anything to each other until we started working with each other at Trillium Trails. I remember one morning after a wedding, Abe and I were supposed to go into work to clean up. I remember I slept in and made him late to picking me up, but he took the blame and told me I could tell Lindsay (our boss) that it was car problems. Abe was nice enough to take the blame for things when he did nothing wrong. In this photo, Abe was trying to protect me from being embarrassed about writing him a love letter. He always wanted to make sure everyone around him was comfortable.

Tyler Parsons 148w

Hanging out in the garage

Abe made even the simplest of things more enjoyable. Like hanging out in the garage (where the picture is from). There were always projects on the go that he loved to share with all his friends, and it was always exciting to see what he was going to show us next.

♥️

Abe was a great friend of mine, although we knew each other in highschool, we didn’t really start talking and hanging out until we were in university. For the few years we were close, we made a lot of good memories that I will always cherish. From countless parties and the fun times we had at them. Going to the casino (the cheen!) together on the weekends and always making it an expensive little trip. Hanging out in the Mansikka’s basement was always a blast with Abe and friends. Playing Rockband, rapping over the Wii beat and having poker/hot sauce testing nights. Abe was a super fun guy to be around and always kept a big smile on his face, anyone lucky enough to have known him should be thankful!

Abe's imprint on me

I met Abe back in grade 3 when I first moved here to Oshawa. However, we only started truly hanging out around grade 5/6. We actually did not like each other all that much before then. We called each other names, steal each other's stuff, all that sort of stuff. Abe was actually the first person to make me swear when he took it too far in class one day. But once we got over all the meanness, I realised what a great person he was and through him, I also met some amazing people. I remember all the days Abe and Liam would just go back to my house after school, raid my snacks for all of the granola bars and we would just chill on my couch, turn on some video game and just talk about anything. I don't even remember 90% of what we actually said in those conversations over the years but you always kind of the remember the feelings or emotion that you felt. Joy and laughter, and just generally being happy when you're with them. Over the years, Abe has always been an influence in my life. If you've known me for a while, you would know that I'm not exactly a social guy and honestly a bit of a nervous wreck sometimes. But he always pushed me to do new things, he got me out of my shell. He helped me get my first job, he would be my gym partner and even was the deciding factor in what degree I want to take and which University to go to. And even though that decision prevented me from seeing him everyday like I used to, I knew he just wanted me to be successful in life and grow. Besides, I got him that McMaster hat and he always said it was one of his favorites. Even now, Abe is an influence in my life. I think one of his cores beliefs, was to always be present and enjoy life as it is and I hope to live by that, even in the smallest things. If I were able to say one last thing to him, I would just want to say thank you to Abe for letting me be a part of the life as wonderful as his.

Abe’s Signature Look

A classic outfit. GMC hat and a Carhartt sweater. We were on our way back from a family camping trip when I took this candid.

Meghan Mansikka 148w

Family dinners

While it may seem simple, something that I really miss is having family dinners together. They were always filled with good conversation, giggles, and good food of course. In this photo, we had gone out for dinner in Toronto together as a family. Abe had ordered fish, and I don’t think any of us expected it to come with the eyeballs in it- still, he could never turn down good food.

Backyard BBQ

Abe and I were on our own for dinner this night, and he told me he had it covered. A true aficionado of the grill (even if it was just hot dogs), he paired about 4 hot dogs with a cold beer, a true dinner of champions. Abe was always able to turn ordinary moments into cherished memories, and such was this night.