Obituary: Versatile Journalist Sauli Korpimo Quickly Found the Core of Stories

Journalist Sauli Korpimo, who died in Tampere on March 26, 2026, at the age of 90, was a versatile writer known for his knack for finding the essence of any story. Born in Veteli on December 11, 1935, Korpimo's path into journalism was far from direct, reflecting the era's unconventional career routes.

In the late 1950s, facing a difficult job market, Korpimo found himself working on the Petäjäskoski power plant canal in Lapland during winter. Seeking better opportunities, he moved to Helsinki to study at the College of Social Sciences. His roommates tried to guide him, but Korpimo decided to return to rural life after finding what he considered a "real job." His roommates encouraged him to pursue journalism, recognizing his writing talent.

His entry into the field was facilitated by a recommendation from Kauno Kleemola, the Speaker of Parliament, who hailed from a neighboring area to Korpimo's hometown. This connection secured him an internship as an agricultural reporter for Karjalan Maa. Korpimo went on to have a long career, reporting for publications like Turun Sanomat and Aamulehti before spending three decades at Helsingin Sanomat.

Korpimo covered a wide array of subjects, including forests, rural life, wildlife, energy, and bureaucracy. He possessed a keen understanding of conflict and comedy, whether in people or societal processes, and could swiftly identify the core of a story, even when deliberately obscured. Outside of work, he dedicated his time to reading and fishing, consuming books daily on subjects ranging from fiction to history and biographies. He also remembered what he read, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of knowledge despite his limited formal education.

Despite his self-perceived lack of language skills, which he regretted, Korpimo was an exceptionally cultured man. He often commented humorously on climate change, noting how it had ruined his winter fishing and made summer lakes too warm. His wife, Ritva Korpimo, shared this anecdote, highlighting his enduring wit and perspective.