Our entire Union family is deeply heartbroken by the untimely passing of our brother and respected member of our leadership team, Tomi Hulkkonen, who lost his life in a tragic motor vehicle accident.
Tomi lived a life that was defined by his service to others. He began his career in the trades working for his uncle’s construction company in Finland, where he also proudly served in the Armed Forces, earning the rank of Sergeant. After returning to Canada, Tomi joined the UBC as a Journeyman Carpenter, where his leadership and work ethic saw him quickly become a foreman, then an organizer and eventually the Local Union Coordinator for Local 494.
Guided by an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of working people, Tomi entered his role as an Area Manager, where he worked tirelessly to advocate for our members across Southwestern Ontario. Tomi’s excellence earned him additional leadership positions within our union, as a trustee of the UBC benefit funds as well as a member of the executive committee. Beyond our union, Tomi was highly respected in our industry serving as the Carpenters’ representative in Canada’s Building Trades Unions, on the board of the Ontario Construction Secretariat, and recently as a representative on the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee at the national level – a role he was excited and eager for. Tomi approached his work with humility, strength, and an unshakeable sense of responsibility to the membership that he served.
Tomi’s passing is a profound loss for our union. He was an admirable mentor for many of our younger members and always took the time to listen. He will be remembered not only for his leadership and service but also for the integrity, compassion, and patience he brought to every interaction.
Our thoughts are with the many members, colleagues and friends who are grieving this loss, and especially with Tomi’s family – his wife, eight children and five grandchildren – who were everything to him. May you find comfort in knowing the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career and the meaningful difference he made in the lives of so many others.
In solidarity,
Tom Cardinal
Chief of Staff, Carpenters’ Regional Council
