Alvin Calvin Pihlaja's Obituary
ALVIN C. PIHLAJA, 1925 - 2016
Alvin C. Pihlaja peacefully passed away at the age of 90 in his home May 9th, 2016. Al was born in Alberta, Canada, December,1925, the only child of Ellen and Eino Pihlaja. He enjoyed a very active childhood in Minnesota where he managed to break both arms and both legs while engaged in various adventures. After two years of vocational high school for Electrical Studies, he entered the Navy where he served as an Electrician’s First Mate on a LST (Landing Ship, Tank) while it was active in the post-Pearl Harbor Asia-Pacific Theatre. After the war, Al returned to Minnesota where he worked a number of jobs, earned a GED, and attended Itasca Junior College in Coleraine. He transferred to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City where, in 1951, he graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering. During Al’s time in Rapid City, he met at a church gathering one of the loves of his life, Aura, who attracted his eye by wearing "funny hats" and who he married prior to his graduation. Al worked for Westinghouse following graduation as a maintenance professional responsible for some of the company’s heavy industrial equipment at installations throughout the northeast and Midwest parts of the country as well as Southeastern Canada. His job required him to be away from home (in Chicago and later Minnesota) and a growing family with three children for as much as a month at a time. This prompted a career change in 1959 when the family relocated to Denver, Colorado, where Al had accepted a contract position with the Glen L Martin Company, soon to become part of the Martin-Marietta Corporation. Here, Al was part of the team that designed some the electrical and mechanical systems enabling the launch of the Titan Two missile. Upon expiration of the contract in 1964, Al traveled to Oregon with his family, now four children, to visit his mother who at the time was living near the Oregon Coast. While passing through Salem and having decided to enter the civilian workforce, he presented himself unannounced to the personnel department of the local Boise Cascade plant to inquire about job possibilities and was hired on the spot. Tragically, shortly after moving to Salem, Aura passed away due to melanoma. A further challenge occurred in December of 1964 when the large flood of that year swept through Al’s home. This was truly a difficult period for Al with the loss of his wife, home and possessions. However, four healthy children, his positive spirit and his sense of responsibility guided his way. In 1966, Al left Salem, accepting a transfer to the Boise Cascade plant located in St. Helens, Oregon.
It was in St. Helens where Al met the second love of his life, Vianna. They were married in 1969. Now with six siblings in the family, the ensuing years were filled with a multitude of diverse activities revolving around their interests. Contributions to church and community were also a priority.
In 1988, Al transitioned from Boise Cascade to a full and busy retirement. Along with help from family and friends, Al built a home on the beach in Ocean Park, Washhington, where he and Vi would live full time. He traveled extensively and particularly enjoyed lengthy motor home trips around the United States. In 1992, Al and Vi relocated to Portland where woodworking, golf and time with family filled their days. He and Vi especially enjoyed building “family heirlooms” to give as Christmas gifts to their children and grandchildren. Vi passed in 2011, at which time Al’s health became less robust.
Al was inquisitive and adventurous, never shy to try something new, be it a new activity or a new culinary dish. Interests throughout his life included his children’s activities, sailing, card games, photography, bowling, camping, square dancing, fishing, wine making and even international tropical fish judging to name a few. He was a great teacher, both by example and by instruction. Al was an engaging conversationalist, always having something interesting or witty to say. He possessed an uncommonly analytic mind, yet also demonstrated deep kindness and compassion.
Al is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Aura, and his second wife Vianna.
He is survived by six children: Terry Nansen Malin (Brett), Laura Muehleck (Stephen), Graydon Pihlaja (Patti), Douglas Pihlaja (Gail Taylor), Hal Harwood, and Ron Harwood (Vicki), and special friend Doug Frost (Cindy). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 PM, June 23rd, 2016, at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland followed by a reception 3:30 - 6:00 PM at the Claremont Club House, 15800 NW Country Club Drive, Portland, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those so wishing to donate to a charity of their choice in memory of Alvin C. Pihlaja.
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