Paul Pekola passed away on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, at the Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 100.

Paul was born on Nov. 19, 1919, to Peter and Gertrude Stannek Pekola in the Wishkah Valley. He was one of eight children. He graduated from the local school. When World War II came along, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the combat engineers.

Driving a caterpillar tractor, he helped build the first U.S. built airfield in England. He went into France, landing at Normandy on D3, only to be greeted with body bags stacked like cord wood. His unit received a citation for building the first Allied airstrip in France. He drove his caterpillar tractor all the way to Germany, building airstrips along the way. Under fire from German artillery, and nearly killed by disabled Allied aircraft trying to land on the strips they were building, they helped provide the groundwork for the Allied victory.

Following the war he returned to Grays Harbor, and met the love of his life, Norma B. Morton of Hoquiam. They married in 1946 and settled on the Mox Chehalis Road outside McCleary. There they built a home that Paul lived in for over 60 years.

Paul and Norma raised Trudy and Terry, and also housed nearly 100 foster children over many years.

Paul made his living in the timber industry. He eventually partnered with Harry Hebert and formed their own logging company. Together they logged all over Grays Harbor. Later, in 1972, he purchased the family farm on the Wynooche River. There he raised cattle and hay.

Paul was very active in the McCleary Community Church, where he served as an elder for many years.

Norma passed away due to Alzheimer’s disease in 2013. After living alone in the country, he moved into Channel Point Village Assisted Living in the summer of 2019.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his great-grandson Alexander Martinez, and his wife, Norma. He is survived by his daughter Trudy and husband Steve; his son Terry and wife Connie; five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held at this time due to Covid-19 restrictions, and a public memorial service will be held at a later date as restrictions are lifted.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.