Roy Oaklund Obituary

Roy Edward Oaklund
Roy died. House for sale! I have always wanted to say that in my obituary! Cancer got me, but who wants to live forever?
I was born in my grandmother's house in Concordia, Kansas to Bessie and Morris Oaklund. We lived on a farm in Nebraska, some of it during the Dust Bowl times. To help the family get by, I worked driving fuel and beer trucks before I was age 16 because size was how most people judged a person's age. After a stint of shoveling coal into boxcars in 100 degree heat, my brother, Ralph, and I decided to head out to Idaho and wound up getting jobs in an ice house.
In Nampa I met Dorothy Dominick and Ralph met Darlene, Dorothy's best friend, at the Rollerdrome. We eventually married the loves of our lives and went off on separate adventures.
Dorothy and I moved to Cornucopia, Oregon, where I worked in a gold mine. Then off to Longview, Washington, working in lumber. I tried to join the Navy a couple of times but Uncle Sam wouldn't let me...he needed boards more than he needed me. After the war we moved back to Nampa where I tried farming and the railroad for a while. We eventually had four kids which forced us to move into town so the kids could attend school and I could find more civilized work. After spending some extra cold winters in Lowman and Bear Valley, I decided to work in insurance, first for Metropolitan Life then highlighted my career spending 19 years with Grange Mutual Life, now United Heritage, retiring as Superintendent of Agencies. Dorothy and I had many great times on GML conventions. I've enjoyed 28 years of retirement.
Sadly, we lost Dorothy in 1987 after 46 cherished years. Eventually, Fay Jacobs came along and we melded our hearts and a new family of 11 children and a host of grandchildren. We loved wintering in Arizona at Towerpoint, and trucking around Washington and Idaho for graduations and birthdays.
Many thanks to my loving family, wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all my treasured friends for a very rich and rewarding life. My family is my most successful and fulfilling investment! I'm survived by my sweetheart, Fay, and whole passel of family, but you've got to expect that from a 94 year old.
Many thanks also to Harrison's Hope Hospice who made my last days much more comfortable.
I was so blessed to have two wonderful women in my life! I have no regrets and wouldn't change a thing!
Love to all, Roy, Dad, Grandpa
Roy's favorite charity is Hope House, PO Box 550, Marsing, ID 83659, a foster home for abandoned or disabled children. Please support them in Roy's memory if you wish. He'll haunt anybody who sends flowers! Please join the family for a Celebration of Roy's Life at the Senior Center at the Nampa Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 8th at 3:30 PM.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Press Tribune on Sep. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Oaklund

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9 Entries

Jerry Sayers

October 4, 2011

Roy was a pillar of strength and integrity who was very wise, thoughtful and frank. He had the "old school" roots of honesty and tenacity that he challenged us to match. To be half the man he was would be a tall order! The devotion he showed to Dorothy and Fay was very inspiring to us lucky enough to be called family. I really did win the "father-in-law lottery" and have been blessed to have his guidance and support for the past 44 years!

I will miss him greatly.

Vonda Howerton

September 22, 2011

Uncle Roy was always a person that i looked up to from the time i was a little girl. His eyes always smiled and had such a twinkle to them. He was also a great brother to my parents, Ruth and Harry Birt. There are so many memories that I have of Uncle Roy, Aunt Dorothy, and you kids. I know you all have many more memories than I can imagine to hold on to and keep in a special place in your heart. It is so very hard to lose a parent and my heart goes out to you...Tommy, Judy, Gene, Dennis, Spouses, Grandkids and all other family Members who loved him. I know they are all together smiling down on us. He will be missed!

With Love
Vonda Howerton

Brad Siegel

September 21, 2011

Uncle Roy was a special older brother to my Mom - Mary Ann Oaklund. My heart is with you all, knowing how hard it is to lose a parent, having lost Mom just 3 years ago. I have fond memories of being at Roy's 90th birthday party with Dixie, Mom, and Dad. Dad is returning home from Tucson so we can come to the service together. I love his sense of humor and good will towards all in his obituary. Those traits served him well throughout the hardships in life.
Love to you all.

Anne Eide

September 19, 2011

All though I never met your Father Judy you always spoke highly of hime. Sounds Like a wonderful Man. My heart goes out to you and Jerry.

Larry & Mary Ann (Schlieker) Willet

September 18, 2011

What an amazing man. We so enjoyed our visits with you and Aunt Fay, in Idaho, California, Arizona and Nebraska. We loved hearing your stories, especially of your younger years. Wish we could have spent more times together. We still have the painting that Dorothy painted. Thanks for being there for Aunt Fay and the wonderful times we shared. We looked forward to your emails. You will be missed.

Sherry Hartman

September 16, 2011

You will be missed but the promise of seeing you again is helpful. I also look forward to having you introduce me to Dorothy. You were an inspiration and I enjoyed each and every visit!

Erica Oaklund

September 16, 2011

My grandpa was a wonderful man who adored his family. It was a priviledge having him in my life. I know he is in a good place square dancing and riding his horse with grandma. Grandpa, you will be in our hearts forever and I am at peace knowing I have an amazing guardian angel looking over us. Until we meet again, Grandpa, "we'll be seein ya!".

Makayla Branscomb

September 16, 2011

Roy, I am so glad that you are where you wanted to be. You took your final journey on your own terms -- a great example for all of us. I have gotten to know you through you son, Tom. He and Sharon are special and dear friends of mine. I want to thank you and Dorothy for bringing Tom into this world, he has been a plus to many of his family and friends in his life, as you were for many many family and friends during your 94 years.

It seemed to me that Roy enjoyed and lived his life daily, may all of us do the same in his memory.

Verlene Nelson

September 16, 2011

I did not know Roy, but I know his wonderful daughter and son-in-law, Jerry/Judy Sayers - who are family and best friends to me. I've always heard wonderful things about Roy and I know that he is in a better place now. My sympathy and prayers go out to his entire family.

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