Wesley Lawrence Raistakka 1938 – 2015

Wesley Lawrence Raistakka, born February 11, 1938, in Astoria, Oregon passed away, April 19, 2015, in Longview, Washington. He was the son of Herman and Hilia (Olson) Raistakka of Rosburg, Washington.

Wesley Raistakka attended primary and secondary school in the Naselle-Grays River Valley School district. Growing up, Wesley spent time commercial fishing with his father on the Grays and Columbia Rivers. This childhood experience with his dad, and being a sport fishing enthusiast, helped shape his career choice. He attended college, served in the US Army and subsequently graduated from Humboldt State University in California with a degree in Fisheries Biology. Wesley then worked for the US Fish & Wildlife Service as a Fisheries Biologist at several fish hatcheries throughout the United States.

Following retirement, Wes returned home to the Seal River area and had lumber sawed from trees on land that he owned. From this, he and a long-time friend built his home. This land was originally acquired from the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1885 by his grandfather Lars Olson (Kaukua) who was one of the earliest Finnish immigrants in the area. The property has now been in family occupancy 130 years. He was in that house for 23 years.

Wesley’s interests included hunting, fishing and golf. His facilities for handling elk, deer and fish served as a gathering place for fellow sportsmen. During retirement friends and family visiting, frequently would find him reading or watching a football game, golf tournament or old western TV shows. Wesley also served on the Wahkiakum Conservation District board and earlier in his retirement helped maintain a small golf course and driving range.

Wesley is survived by his brother; Donald Raistakka and sisters; Doris Dickens and Sadie Lehr. There are also three surviving nephews and one niece. His parents and younger brother Wallace preceded him in death.

A celebration of Wesley’s life will be held at a forthcoming date, with interment of cremains to be at the Seal River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial donation to the Finnish American Folk Festival of Naselle, PO Box 156, Naselle, WA 98638.