Bernard James Siltala

Bernard James "Buddy" Siltala passed away January 1, 2024, aged 89. He was a long time Rainier resident.

Bernard James Siltala was born to Selmi (Lom) and William Siltala in Good Hope, MN on April 22, 1934. In the early 1940's the family moved to the Portland area, his father William going to work in the shipyards.

He graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1952 after also attending Rainier High for years. He married Joan Hildula, and they had one son, Corey, they later divorced.

After 2 years in the Army, serving in Germany, he started work at the Longview Fibre (now Westrock). After many years in the bag plant, he transferred to another department and became an Instrument Mechanic. He retired from Fibre in 1996.

He married Kathleen Spitzer on April 4,1959 and livied in the house at the corner of Fern Hill Road and B Street in Rainier until the winter of 2021, when he suffered an accident and went into assisted living in Longview.

He was active as a Boy Scout leader in Rainier, and as a strong union member (and shop steward) in the AWPPW Local 153 for many years. He had been a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Rainier, and later Faith Lutheran in Clatskanie. He traveled extensively, especially to the old homestead in Minnesota. He and Kathy enjoyed stays at the Oregon Coast, and also spending time with their grand and later great grandchildren.

Predeceasing him were his wife Kathleen, father William, mother Selmi, brothers Harvey, Dallas, Clifford, Michael; sisters Laverna, Patricia. Son Corey, and grandson Daniel Malone. Surviving him is his brother Russell Siltala of Goble Oregon, son Mark (Patricia) of Puyallup Washington, daughter Kirsi Malone of Kalama Washington, four grandchildren Abby, Elizabeth, Kevin (Chelsea), and Ryan Malone. Two great grandchildren Samuel and Walter Malone along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held @ 2pm on Saturday January 20, 2024 @ Faith Lutheran Church in Clatskanie (1010 NE 5th Street, Clatskanie, Oregon, 97016) with burial to follow on Monday January 22, 2024 @ 11AM Green Mountain Cemetery.