Alan William Takalo

Alan William Takalo was born Oct. 22, 1946 in Astoria to Roy H. and Elaine R. Stromberg Takalo.

Alan grew up in Brownsmead, attending school in Knappa, graduating in 1964. He then attended Clatsop Community College for four years, receiving associate degrees in electronics and marine technology.

While in high school, Alan participated in football, basketball, baseball, and was the baseball captain his senior year. He was known for his ping-pong skills in college and continued to play basketball in city league for several years. Alan started hunting at an early age and still enjoyed pursuing elk, deer, ducks and geese. He also was a trap shooter for many years.

As a fourth generation fisherman, Alan started gill-netting on the Columbia River with his father, and at the age of 17 he began leasing a Bumble Bee Seafoods bow-picker, which he eventually purchased. In 1971, he acquired the Mark Anthony and then the bow-reel Miss Trina in 1984, which he was still fishing. In 1961, he started fishing with his father in Cook Inlet, Alaska, leased his own boat in 1970, purchased the Honker in 1979, the Mackerel in 1990 and was there for his 51st season when he died on the boat, July 15th, after a successful day of fishing.

Alan married Linda Dale Estoos at Peace Lutheran Church on March 18, 1967 in Astoria.

Alan was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, BKS Sportsmen Club, United Cook Inlet Drift Association, Columbia River Fishermen's Protective Union, Salmon for All, National Rifle Association, Knappa Boosters and Brownsmead Boys Club.

Alan's favorite times were spent with family, hunting, trap shooting, attending Knappa sports events, playing and winning at crib, reading a Louis L'Amour, the Dallas Cowboys and a bowl of ice cream.

He is survived by his wife Linda of Brownsmead; two daughters and a son-in-law, Melissa of Brownsmead and Katrina & Chuck Morris of Orofino, Idaho; a son and daughter-in-law Todd & Kara Takalo of Knappa; four grandsons, Dale & Eli Takalo, Ole & Trigve Morris and granddaughter Cari Knapp; a sister and brother-in-law Christine and Bob Bridgens of Warrenton; three sisters-in-law and their spouses Bill & Nancy Maki of Pierce, Idaho; Jean Estoos of Brownsmead; and Ann and Ralph Peitsch of Svensen; brother-in-law and spouse John & Barbara Estoos of Knappa; mother-in-law Virginia Estoos of Brownsmead; five nieces Elaine Cook, Melinda Davidson, Carol Kahn, Rachel Peitsch and Brooke Travis; seven nephews Joe, Andy & Tim Peitsch, Chris & Bryan Estoos, Brandon & Adam Bridgens; aunt and uncle Phyllis & Sterling Amsberry; and a special cousin Mel Petersen.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1970, father in 1983 and father-in-law Dale Estoos in 1987 and a niece Debra Peitsch in 1981.

A service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 451 34th St., Astoria on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 1 p.m., followed by vault internment at Knappa Prairie Cemetery and a reception at Knappa High School.

For those wishing to honor Alan, memorial donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, Knappa Booster Club - score clock fund, BKS Sportsmen Club or The Gillnetter.

Viewings will be 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria; and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.