John Edward Ojala

John E. Ojala went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. He was 96 years old. Born and raised in Hockinson, WA, John was the youngest child of immigrant parents who came from Finland through Ellis Island. John enlisted in the Navy while still in high school, and served in the South West Pacific theater during World War II. He later received his honorary high school diploma from Battle Ground High School at age 90, awarded to students who had answered the call to serve during the war. John married Beverly (Horan) Ojala, his wife of 57 years, in Vancouver, and immediately departed for their first home in Fairbanks, AK, a place that he deeply loved. He worked in his career trade as a barber there, and later owned Johnnie's Barber Shop when they returned to Vancouver. John and Beverly raised three children at their home in Hazel Dell. He was a family man who enjoyed attending his kids' many sporting events. He had a particular fondness for baseball, a love that was passed down to all of his children. He enjoyed taking his kids on camping and fishing trips, appreciating the mountains and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. His enjoyment of mapping out travel plans was also inherited by his children. John loved the outdoors. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, traveling and tending to his beautiful yard and garden. He could often be seen delivering his homegrown fruits and vegetables to his neighbors. In his later years, he developed a particular fondness for feeding the birds that faithfully came to his feeders everyday. John spent his last few years at Highgate Senior Living. A special thank you to the staff who cared for him in his final months. John is survived by his son, Jim Ojala (Susan); daughter, Eileen Bergevin (Jesse), and daughter-in-law, Bev Ojala. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Matt, David, Josh, Rachel, Ben and Zach. His first great-grandchild is due any day. John was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; first-born son, Jeff; an infant son, Paul, as well as his granddaughter, Emily. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Alina Ojala; sisters, Ruth Ahola, Eva Erkkila, Esther Shrier and Anna Kampy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John will be laid to rest next to Beverly. A family graveside burial service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in Vancouver, where John was a member for over 60 years.

John Edward Ojala

July 29, 1924 - December 14, 2020