Robert A. MIKKOLA

Robert Mikkola left this world far too soon on the morning of Friday, September 23rd. For over 4 1/2 years he had battled a rare form of melanoma that started in his eye and later settled in his liver.

He passed pain-free and at peace with wife Karolyn, son Jeremy, and brother John by his side. He'll be remembered for his service-oriented and selfless ways - always determined to make people's day brighter with his over the top witty humor often followed by his signature laugh. He was a "good worker" as he jokingly referred to himself.

Married 32 years, Karolyn and Robert were true soul mates and forever best friends. They lived in Salem, OR, for 27 happy years. Prior to this, they lived in Newport, OR. Robert was born and raised in Coos Bay, OR, through the 5th grade when he moved to Newport, OR, where he attended Newport Elementary and Newport High (Class of 1978).

Robert carried out a 20+ year career as a cement mason for J&S Masonry. He also served as a Seabee in the US Navy from 1978-1981. He also won numerous (informal) father-and-uncle-of-the-year awards and continues to hold the title of "Best Dad Ever".

One of his biggest motivators was to be here to meet his first grandson, Luca, which he accomplished for the first 6 weeks of Luca's life. They shared a special connection. Robert held Luca's gaze for ages; they were mesmerized by one another, a bond like no other. For the last 4 months Robert and Karolyn lived in North Bend, WA, with Jeremy, Bethany (daughter-in-law), and Luca.

The son of Carl Mikkola and Audrey Baylor, he is survived by the aforementioned family as well as: brothers and sisters George Mikkola, Kristine Smith, Karen Mikkola, Jim Aden, Sarah Mikkola, Geri Mikkola; mother to Jeremy, Robin Custer; and nieces and nephews Nicole Osterson, Travis Mikkola, Lisa Rodriguez, Kamen Crites, Tamagen Aden, Natalia Mikkola, Bryant Mikkola, Denise Woosley, Kaitlin Woosley, KJ Woosley, Sophie Snyder, and Hannah Ramirez.

In his passing he is joining mother Audrey Baylor, father Carl Mikkola, brother Carl Mikkola, sister Kim Woosley, brother Robert Smith, brother Don Mikkola, and sister Kailene Mikkola.

A life celebration with family and friends will be held at a later date.

We love you and miss you Robert, dad, best friend forever.