ALPO TOKOLA
February 28, 1926 ~ March 15, 2013
Alpo J. Tokola passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Mary's Woods in Lake Oswego, OR on March 15, 2013. He was born February 28, 1926 in Kalajoki, Finland to John and Hulda Tokola. In 1937, the family came to the United States, settling in Vancouver, Washington.
Alpo married Bobbie Ketola in 1945.
After service in the U.S. Navy during WW II, he attended University of Washington graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Alpo worked as a designing engineer and project manager with Earl and Wright, Yuba Erectors, and Kaiser Steel in California before moving to Lake Oswego with his wife and family in 1972 to take over as project manager of the Fremont Bridge.
In 1973, he founded Tokola Corporation which handled major engineering projects from its offices in Portland, San Francisco, and London until the mid-1990s. Major projects during his engineering career include: 19 bridges (Interstate, Benicia-Martinez, Glen Canyon, San Pedro-Terminal Island), 10 buildings (Bank of America Headquarters, Transamerica Pyramid, Seattle Convention Center), and 17 offshore oil platforms (Alaska, California, North Sea).
In 1976, Alpo and Tokola Corporation began building apartments complexes in the Portland Area. These became the focus of his work and under his leadership 12 projects were completed.
In his later years, Alpo pursued an interest in history that grew from his travel experiences, reading extensively and compiling a 400-year family genealogy. He maintained close ties with Finland and was Board of Director Emeritus for Finlandia University in Michigan.
Alpo's family was the center of his life,
his devotion evident in the great amount of time
he spent with us and the deep love he showed us all. This abundant love is returned by four generations.
Alpo is survived by Bobbie Tokola, his wife of 67 years; daughters, Susan Tokola-Avison, Nancy Allen (Mark), Anna-Lisa Kanick (George) and Maila Davenport (John); sisters, Ellen Dusa and Liisa Holma; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Viewing vigil will be held at Riverview Abbey Funeral Home, 0319 SW Taylors Ferry Rd., Portland, OR 97216, Thurs., March 21, 5-8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at Christ Church Lake Oswego, 1060 Chandler Rd., Lake Oswego, OR 97034, Fri., March 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to Prostate Cancer Research Program/Dr. Tomasz Beer (OHSU Foundation, 1121 SW Salmon St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205).
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Geoff Kanick & Caitlin Cassidy
March 13, 2021
My father worked for Tokola Offshore in the SF office during the late 70's. When my mother became quite ill, my father was told by Al to "Go home and take care of your family - the paychecks will keep coming." My dad was at home for the last 2 years of her life. Sure enough, the paychecks kept coming from Al. When she passed and my dad went back to work (or so the story goes) Al offered to move us to the UK to have Dad work out of the London office, "Until he was ready to come back home" - which opportunity Dad jumped at. It helped us all heal. What a great guy Al was.
JW Siegel
Acquaintance
November 20, 2019
Al was one of the most fascinating men I have met. I was so grateful for the chance to get to know him, to hear his stories, his advice, and his jokes. He had the best jokes. My prayers are with Bobbie and the rest of the family.
Nichelle Halley
March 30, 2013
I always looked forward to chatting with Uncle Alpo. He was an amazing man. Unfortunately I just heard of his passing so I was unable to attend the services. My thoughts are with his close family.
Sincerely,
Heather Majewski
(Granddaughter of George Ketola)
Heather Majewski
March 23, 2013
Aunt Bobbi, Our thoughts are with you and your family. Uncle Alpo was a great man and a wonderful caring uncle. We will miss him so much. Our love and best wishes to you and your family at this sad time in your lives.
We just found out about his passing so were not able to attend the services.
The George Ketola Family. Dana, Jud, & Michelle
March 23, 2013
Sincere condolences to Alpo's family and friends
Finzer Family
March 23, 2013
Our condolences sorry for your loss.
Alan and Roberta Wanless
March 22, 2013
An extraordinary man. I am so grateful for - and incredibly fortunate to have been able to spend - time with him. Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers. Wishing that I could be there with you all...
Caitlin Cassidy
March 22, 2013
Al was my mentor and friend. We will miss him.
Peter & Joan Melrose
March 22, 2013
We know that no words can help ease the pain and loss that you are feeling right now. You are in our every prayer and thought. Much love to the family. Lepää rauhassa Uncle Alpo.
Denise & David Sandvig
March 22, 2013
Thinking of you, Susan, and your family, during this sad time. Hopefully, there are lots of good times to remember
Glen & Nancy Baisinger
March 21, 2013
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Edwina Welch
March 20, 2013
Fond memories of working with Alpo on his apartment complex Kalevala in the 1980's.
And proud to be related through my mother-in-law Ina Tokola-Lindbom. He was a kind man and will be missed.
With deep sympathy to all his family and dear friends.
Yvonne Lindbom
March 20, 2013
Keeping you all lifted in prayer for peace.
Debi Hart
March 20, 2013
What a great legacy you leave with your passing. You will be missed. It was a joy to know you and to be a part your family thru my daughter - Staci's- family.
Anne Waldroop
March 20, 2013
My love and prayers.
Mary L Allen
March 20, 2013
When my niece Meaghan was in town years ago, she invited me to join her for dinner with Alpo and Bobbie out in Mary Woods. Meaghans is related through her father George Ralls. I had met him years ago but that dinner was very special. What a genuine and interesting person. I was honored to have had that brief time visiting with him.
Bekke Johnson
March 20, 2013
Mr. Tokola was a customer of mine in the 70's at Liberty House, and then Frederick and Nelson's. He would come in looking to buy something for his wife. He was a tender and kind man, and would always buy her the full outfit of the new arrivals-and it all had to be "made in America". He talked lovingly of his wife, and his latest project. I always think of him when crossing the Fremont Bridge. My condolences to his family.
Jodi Richey-Duty
March 20, 2013
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear husband and father, the most determined man we ever witnessed who continued in his last days to fight his long bout against cancer.
Don and Audrey McConachie-Byers
March 19, 2013
Bobbie:Our condolences to you and to your family. Al was a great engineer, a real gentleman and a good friend;he will be sorely missed. Kim and Kathie Allison
Kim & Kathie Allison
March 19, 2013
We so admired Al's love for his family. What a great legacy. We know you will miss him terribly. Prayers for all of you.
Lori and Al Debacker
March 19, 2013
Al led a good life and left a great legacy through his family and the projects he designed. He will always be remembered.
Kevin Rash
March 19, 2013
Jessica Sannoh
March 19, 2013
Staci Avison
March 19, 2013
Our thoughts are with you all.
Wendy & David Hill
March 19, 2013
Eric and Arja Alava
March 19, 2013
Liisa Holma
March 19, 2013
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