ROY R. HAKOLA's Obituary
ROY ROBERT HAKOLA, age 64, of Pelkie, MI., passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Portage Health, Hancock, MI. with his wife by his side. He was born on February 23, 1946 in L’Anse, MI. the son of the late George and Viola (Sipe) Hakola. He attended the Baraga area schools. In 1966 Roy started work at Ford Motor Company where he was employed for thirty years until his retirement in 1996. He married the former Mallie “Tonni” Lawrence on June 20, 1987. Following his retirement, Roy and his family moved back to the Pelkie area where he worked for Keranen’s farm for many years. Roy was an active volunteer for Special Olympics, as well as the Baraga County Fair. He was a 4-H leader, a Boy Scout leader, and also a volunteer for Girl Scouts. Roy was also a proud member of the Ottawa Sportsman’s Club. In 1996 he joined the Pelkie Fire Department, where he later became Chief. During his time on the department, he helped to start the Medical First Responders where he as an active EMT. He served on the Medical Control Board and also on the Baraga County Planning Commission. He helped the department to establish their Jaws of Life unit, and also became certified in vehicle extraction. Roy was also a certified CPR instructor. In 2009, following a long illness, doctors recommended he retire from the fire department. Until the time of his death however, Roy was still a proud supporter of the Pelkie Fire Department. In his spare time, he loved hunting and fishing. Roy’s greatest source of pride however, came from spending time with his grandchildren.
Roy is survived by his loving wife Mallie “Tonni” Hakola; daughters Donna (Mike) of Parker City, IN., Tammy (Eric) of Rochester, NY, Amber (Chris) of Fayetteville, NC., Lorna (Chad) of Pelkie, MI., and Krystle (Cory) of Marquette, MI., his 9 grandchildren Justino, Amanda, Jordan, Mihalia, Kalli, Skyler, Rosalyn, Quinton, and Roy; 2 great grandchildren Sofia and Trinity; 2 aunts Florence and Louella; as well as numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his son David Hakola; stepfathers Waino Hakola and Bill Murto; and numerous aunts and uncles.
A memorial service for Roy was held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the Pelkie Fire Hall, Pelkie, MI. with Pastor Michael Laakko officiating. The family greeted friends at the fire hall from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment took place in the Pelkie Cemetery.
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