Reino Rudolph Lehto

Reino Lehto was born on August 5, 1921 on the banks of the Columbia River (Quincy, Or), the 8th child of Nestor and Lizzie (Salmon) Lehto. Lizzie died when Reino was 9 months old, and Reino spent his first 8 years in Astoria with relatives, returning home to finish his schooling (Bradbury School, Quincy); his formal education ended in 8th grade when he joined his father and brother Ruben in working the family farm.

Reino was drafted into the United States Army Air Force in WWII, serving from 1942 - 1945 in Norwich, England as a prop mechanic. Upon returning to the US he bought a used fishing boat for $600 & launched a commercial fishing career that lasted 46 years, fishing out of Mayger Dock and a member of the Columbia River Fishermen's Protective Union (CRFPU). The mechanical training Reino received in the military served him well in his fishing and farming career, and he was known for his ability to fix engines. Reino was a lifelong learner and picked up Facebook in his late 90's  and enjoyed it immensely for keeping in touch with friends and family worldwide. He loved music and taught himself how to play the organ.

Reino was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC), where he met his wife Thelma (Nevala) Lehto in 1954 when touring the Midwest. They married in 1955 in Menahga, Minnesota and settled in Quincy one mile from Reino's birthplace.

Reino and Thelma lived in the same house in Quincy for 68 years, raising 9 children. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary at home on the day he died. December 3, 2023. He was 102 years old.

Reino is survived by his wife Thelma, 5 sons (Mark, Paul, Frans, David and Nathan); 4 daughters (Mary, Kathleen, Rebecca, Christine); 19 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and 2 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held December 9, 2023 at the Longview Laestadian Lutheran Church on Wohl Road in Longview, Washington.

Internment will be at Mayger Downing Church Cemetery in Mayger, Oregon.