VANCOUVER – Urho M. Wirkkala, 84, died Sept. 11, 2007, in Vancouver, from complications of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Born June 10, 1923, in Naselle, he was the 13th of 15 children born to Andrew and Hilda Wirkkala, and the 12th son. He grew up in Naselle where he received his schooling.

He was a veteran of the Second World War, his active duty being with the U.S. Army Engineers in India and Burma working on the Burma Road. Returning to Naselle he co-owned and operated Salmon Creek Logging with his brothers. Later he worked as a construction superintendent of roads and bridge building for Evans Products in Nicaragua and Mayr Brothers in Aberdeen. He resided in Cosmopolis for a number of years prior to moving to Vancouver in 2002 to be near his children.

His love for his entire family was readily apparent. He enjoyed classical music, gardening and taking care of his investments in the stock market.

Mr. Wirkkala married Hilda Koskela on Feb. 9, 1946, in Naselle. She died Aug. 20, 1981. Survivors include his children Genita (Virgil) Fadenrecht of Salem, Ore.; Charlene (Berlyn) Hodges of Tucson, Ariz.; Daryl Wirkkala of Longview and Dennis (Vicki) Wirkkala of Vancouver; eight grandchildren – Sheryl Lehmkuhl, Doug Fadenrecht, Spencer Wirkkala, Shannon Wirkkala, Tyler Wirkkala, Matthew Wirkkala, Jordan Wirkkala and Jacob Wirkkala; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers Hannes Wirkkala of Brush Prairie and Ben Wirkkala of Naselle; his sisters Eva Pellervo of Naselle and Aimee Carathers of Vancouver; and his dear friend Carleen Randich of Aberdeen. Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his son Delbert; brothers Arne, Oiva, Howard, Edwin, Lauri, Albert, Martin, Paul and Fred Wirkkala; and sister Elizabeth Lindholm.

The funeral service was Friday, Sept. 14, at Naselle Assembly of God Church. Graveside service followed at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle. Arrangements were by Penttila’s Chapel by The Sea. The guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.