Peacefully at his home, with his family by his side on Sunday, March 21, 2021 of London, formerly of Sudbury, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Lois (Lawrence) Niemi (2020). Loving dad of Darrell Niemi (Terry Purvis) of Sudbury, and Brent (Geraldine) Niemi of London. Cherished grandpa of Jessica Niemi (Eric Levert) of Timmins, Pearl and Daisy Niemi of London. Dear great-grandpa of Drake.
Leo ran Progressive Music Academy in Sudbury and Santa Ana, California. He was a world class accordion technician and known world-wide for his accordion repair abilities. Both Leo and Lois were well known in the community for their volunteer work, lending a helping hand to anyone in need and always having an open-door policy at their home.
Keeping with Leo’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation & Celebrations, Arva (519-963-4003).
Donations to World Vision would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
On behalf of my father, Hannu Lambert, I am sending deepest and sincere condolences for your loss. My Dad considered Leo a great friend, mentor and teacher and was very sad to hear of his passing. They will forever be bonded by their mutual love of the accordion.
Sincere regards,
Melissa Chaulk (Lambert)
Dear Brent,
I just recently learned of your Father’s passing. I am so sorry to hear this. I always remember how happy your Father was, and how much he enjoyed playing music and how much I enjoyed playing with him.
Sincerely,
Angelo
My deepest condolences for your loss…I remember when I was little your father would come to visit and play his accordion for us in front of the woodstove. Mom and I would dance to his music in the living room at our house in Beaver Lake.
We always looked forward to a visit with your dad.
Your cousin,
Beverly Tamminen-Lee
My deepest sympathy for your loss…I remember when I was young, your father would come to our house and play his accordion for us in front of the woodstove. Mom and I would dance in the living room together while he played his music for us.
It was always a wonderful visit when your dad came to visit us in Beaver Lake.
Your cousin,
Beverly Tamminen-Lee
Leo was a wonderful, thoughtful and caring musician. Many years of playing and repairing the accordion for artists around the world. Leo was a great friend and confident. He will be missed. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. With deepest sympathy.
Leo was a gentle giant of a man and will be greatly missed. Huge talent with a wicked sense of humour. He will not be forgotten. Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Niemi family.
Iris Hakala – Sudbury, ON
Gail Hakala – Toronto, ON
Michael Dawson – Toronto, ON
My deepest condolences to Leo’s children and family.
How I respected Leo, along with my teachers Niilo Basto and Armas Lampi who, together, created an exciting and vibrant school of music for accordionists on Elm St. in Sudbury called the Progress Music Academy. Leo, established an accordion orchestra full of talented musicians and we practiced faithfully until the culmination where he decided to take us all, students and accompanying parents, to the King Edward Hotel in Toronto for the Canadian Accordion Championship. I was about 10 years old and had never traveled outside of Sudbury let alone stay at a massive regal hotel where I got lost trying to find the elevator. I remember playing the March of Aida and we were fabulous!!
Leo and Lois became close friends with my parents, not to mention all of the parents affiliated with their students and I was so delighted that he agreed to play at our wedding! What a wedding it was- 325 people dancing to never ending polkas, tangos and glorious waltzes until the early hours!
Thank you Leo for your smiles of encouragement, dedication to your students and everlasting memories. Rest in peace.
Sue Lepage (Lemiech)
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Niemi was my accordion teacher for a few years and I remember him fondly. Occasionally I play and remember him. My mother would meet him when he performed at Finlandia. May you find comfort in your memories of him and the good thoughts of those who knew him.
I took accordion lessons from Leo when I was a little kid in Sudbury and just starting to learn how to play the instrument. I remember him as a skilled instructor … and very kind (even when I hadn’t practised as much as I should have). Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Deepest sympathies to family and friends, from an old friend. I knew Leo from playing music with him at several gigs for many years. May the accordion music continue my friend!