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Roy Sorvoja Obituary
Roy was born Aug. 16, 1959 in Fairbanks at ST. Josephs Hospital to Helena and Martti Sorvoja from Ylivieska, Finland. His parents along with newborn Markku migrated to Fairbanks in March 1957 at the behest of his mother's aunt Linda Wicken. They helped run aunt Linda's apartment rental business. Roy's parents decided it was a business they wanted to be involved in and started their own. Roy and his brothers carried on with the knowledge and work ethic passed onto them in later years. Roy went to all local schools in the Fairbanks area. First at Barnette Elementary followed by Main Junior High where he was on the wrestling team with brother Steve. He continued onto West Lathrop now West Valley and finished high school at Lathrop in 1978. Roy completed his education at University of Alaska Fairbanks obtaining a degree in marketing in 1984.
Mr. Sorvoja had a variety of jobs after school. First at Sourdough Fuel as a salesman followed by a stint at Chesterton selling chemicals to utility companies. He then went on to work at National Bank of Alaska now Wells Fargo. Roy then joined the family business which not long after formed Martti Company LLC with his brothers Markku and Steve. They were a cohesive unit that worked well together.
Roy enjoyed traveling when time permitted. Going to Mariners/Seahawks games, Las Vegas for shows and gambling or attending concerts like Heart or Santana to name a few. He also liked visiting relatives in Finland and was proud of his heritage.
Roy was predeceased by his father, Martti; mother, Helena, who he helped care for in her later years; sister-in-law, Carolyn; niece, Rose Marie and many relatives in Finland. He is survived by brothers, Steve of Fairbanks, Markku and wife Tanya of Madison, Alabama; niece, Anna Sorvoja and nephew, Samuel Sorvoja. Roy is also survived by many relatives in Finland.
Roy was a gentle soul and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a private person and per his wishes there will be no service. There are plans for a celebration of his life this summer. Rest in peace Roy, memories of you will live on.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roy Sorvoja
Ruth Vanveldhuizen knapman
April 16, 2025
Roy was a school friend of my son Jay Vanveldhuizen and spent much time at our Gilmore trail home I great kid with great manners. Alway polite. Obviously a great home life and a welcome guest at our home. Will be missed by many!
Andrew solli
March 5, 2025
Our personal condolences to the Sorvoja. It was a privilege being able to call Roy a friend. I will always remember his great smile, jovial personality, and kind heart.
Dave Tiemessen
March 4, 2025
Met Roy in 8th grade at Main Jr. High when our lockers were adjacent to one another. Would see him at the Alaska Club frequently until I moved from Fairbanks. Always the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet but was indispensable when a tenant got out of line. Condolences to Mark and Steve. RIP you big Viking.
Jim
March 4, 2025
Condolences to the family. Roy was a friend from way back. Jim
Mike Lester
March 2, 2025
It was exciting times Roy...a blast, fishing and camping with all of us high school buddies back in the later 1970´s and early 80´s. A lot of laughter! Thinking back, it seems like yesterday. Even though we lost contact as we all grew up and went our separate ways, I will never forget those times. RIP my friend.
Jay Van Veldhuizen
March 2, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Rest in peace buddy
Roland Castillo
March 2, 2025
I never knew Roy personally. We both attended Barnett- Main-Ryan- Lathrop. I saw him in Anchorage at the Aerosmith concert, wish I had taken the time to say hello. Have a safe journey Roy.
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