Jaakko M. Varila

Jaakko M. Varila, 57, died November 15, 2009 at his Naselle residence following a brief battle with cancer. Born April 29, 1952 in Kaustinen, Finland to Matti and Tynne Ansa Varila he emigrated from his native Finland to America on May 18,1963 and soon thereafter settled in Naselle. There he attended school and even though not knowing any English, he soon adapted to his new home, working initially in the woods in various capacities and then for Weyerhaeuser Timber as a log scaler. Jaakko later was employed as a long haul truck driver, fished commercially and was maintenance supervisor for Carnation Milk in Portland for a time. He was most proud of his work as a carpenter where his attention to detail and quality were admired by his co-workers. He took pride in his mechanical skills and was an all-around fixit man. Jaakko enjoyed baking, cooking, canning and smoking fishand then sharing all with family and friends. He was a member of the Naselle Community Congregational Church where he served as a trustee. He married Connie Mercer in August of this year, and she survives residing in Naselle. Other survivors include sisters Maija Ross, Sirkka Wirkkala and Kata Bohren all of Naselle and Leena Wirkkala of Milwaukie, OR; sons Kristopher Varila and Peeka Varila of Redding, CA, and Michael Jacob of Oregon; grandchildren Clive and Gabriella Varila; a niece, several nephews, a special family friend Annette Boslar, and Jaakko's beloved canine and feline companions. Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 21, 2009, 1:00 PM at the Naselle Community Congregational Church. Graveside service follows at Peaceful Hill Cemetery with a reception at the church social hall. The casket will be open at Penttila's Chapel in Long Beach on Friday from 12 Noon until 5 PM and at the church prior to the service. Memorials may be made to either Harbors Home Health Hospice or the Naselle Ambulance in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com