Valkohampaan

Farewell to Irma

In loving memory of Irma Saariokari
(5.12.1952 – 24.12.2008 )

On Christmas Eve we lost our mum and wife Irma Saariokari after a sudden fit.

We would like to thank all the people and close friends for remembering and helping us at this time of sorrow.

Serena will continue the Valkohampaan breeding, cherishing Irma’s knowledge and visions of Belgians as well as Schipperkes.
Just before Christmas we got shocking news: Irma Saariokari had deceased after a sudden fit and passed away on the Christmas Eve.
Irma’s funeral in the Laajasalo church was very touching and beautiful. The church was full of family and many of Irma’s friends. The sadness was deeply touching, and the moment stopped everyone present. The coffin was covered with Finnish flag and it was guarded by navy officers in their formal uniforms and swords.

There were so many of Irma’s friends saying their last goodbyes to a friend. Many tears were left in memories by Irma’s family and friends. Tears in eyes, sobbing, sad faces everywhere. Irma was escorted to her final journey trough an honorary passage formed by her family and friends. As lovely it would still have been to see Irma, as touching was the funeral.
Irma was one of the founding members of Belgians Shepherd Dog Association of Finland, and an appreciated long term breeder of groenendaels and laekenois’. Almost everybody knew Irma. She was like a magnet, which magically drew people towards her. She was a great breeder and person. She was well known around the Belgian Shepherd Dog enthusiasts around Europe. She was a familiar sight in the annual French Speciality, from where we all remember the gorgeous BOB winners groenendael dog Valkohampaan Chef d’Oeuvre from 2003 and groenendael bitch Valkohampaan Iay-Iay from 2005, to mention a few.

Irma’s calling and love was Belgian Shepherd Dogs and that could be seen in Irma’s warm caring for the dogs Irma had bred and their owners. Irma was friendly and easy to approach, one could easily ask for advice or opinion on anything.

When one would meet her in foreign countries she would always greet them earnest and happily. Irma’s hospitality was unbeatable.
Without any doubt a lot of knowledge and insight is lost together with Irma. However, we can all feel assured Irma’s daughter Serena will continue the well known work of kennel Valkohampaan. With sympathy to Irma’s family, and remembering Irma with warmth,

Päivi Lotila, The chairman of the Belgian Shepherd Dog Association of Finland
Translated by Moina van der Heijden