Such was the multi-stage life of Kaarina Suonperä

Kaarina Suonperä often wore blue. Pete Anikari

On July 25, it was reported that customs trainer Kaarina Suonperä has passed away at the age of 81. Seiska was the first to report on the matter.

Suonperä’s passing was confirmed to Iltalehte by his daughter Tiiu Pohjolainen. Pohjolainen told Iltalehte in the news release that his mother slept peacefully on July 23 at home.

Suonperä became known to Finns especially as a customs trainer who wore blue clothes. During his career, he also worked in church, politics and journalism as a journalist.

Reviews

Suonperä was not afraid to express his opinions in the media. He is remembered for his bold words, which caused a wide range of emotions both in the persons who were the subject of criticism and in other people.

Suonperä often criticized, for example, the dressing or behavior of public figures at Linna’s parties – sometimes he also took a stand on other issues, such as politics.

Advice and instructions

The customs trainer also gave tips to ordinary citizens. For example, in 2006, Suonperä instructed the readers of Iltalehti that one rose is good for a high school student and, for example, a gift card to try a sport, which allows the young person to start a lifelong hobby.

Suonperä didn’t really like giving money as a gift. However, he made an exception for high school students starting their lives.

In 2009, Suonperä instructed the readers of Iltalehti by saying that money should not be the ticket to participate in the party.

– Friendship is not measured in money. It would be a shame to miss the party because there is no money to put 50 euros in the envelope. You can find flowers in the field or maybe in your own yard. Nice words cost nothing. The most important thing is to go there and congratulate, says Suonperä’s answer.

In an interview in 2015, Suonperä gave tips to cabin guests. He said, for example, that cabin guests must not expect full board from the host couple, but money must not be given in exchange for food either.

– If you plan to stay in the house for a while, you should bring your own snacks when you come. And this does not mean a basket, but food. The cabins often have very small refrigerators and the guest must understand that there is not necessarily provision for extra diners.

Tragedy

Suonperä’s private life was never the focus of his public career, but his own life also took significant turns.

In 1973, Suonperä faced a great sadness in her life when her husband Teppo J. Suonperä died violently. Teppo, who worked as the commander of the Häme air force, was shot in the Tikkakoski garrison when a lieutenant shot him. The case attracted enormous attention in the media and among citizens.

Suonperä was left alone with the couple’s half-year-old daughter. Suonperä said in an interview with Iltalehti in 1998 that the experience left him devastated.

At the time of the tragedy, all her resources went into taking care of her daughter. He was unable to take care of himself and lost a lot of weight. He was close to collapsing, but in the end Suonperä’s loved ones rushed to take care of him and Tiius.

A new love

Suonperä found a new spouse by his side in the 1990s. Suonperä and Pentti Katainen got engaged in 1995. Suonperä was married to Pentti until his death.