Philip Allen Penttila, 68, a lifelong Aberdeen resident, died Friday afternoon, Feb. 23, 2018, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. Phil was surrounded by his wife and children when he lost his long battle with Myelofibrosis, a bone marrow cancer.
Phil was born on Feb. 23, 1950, in Aberdeen to Eric Willard and Aino Eleanora (Karimaki) Penttila. He graduated from Aberdeen’s Weatherwax High School June 6, 1968, and then attended Grays Harbor College graduating June 12, 1970, with an Associate in Science degree. Phil then left for Seattle and attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering graduating from the University of Washington on June 10, 1972. While attending the University of Washington, Phil’s love of football, especially Husky Football, grew and he became a season ticket holder. Phil enjoyed attending games with his family and when his health did not allow him to attend; he was pleased that his children and grandchild kept up the Saturday tradition. He looked forward to receiving new season programs and pictures of his family from the game.
Once back on the Harbor, Phil went to work at the Grays Harbor PUD as an Electrical Engineer. He continued his employment for 35 years and 7 months, retiring as the Systems Supervising Engineer. Phil enjoyed driving around the county pointing out various projects he had designed and watched come to fruition. He had the pleasure of working with many great people during his time at the PUD who remained close in his retirement.
Phil married Cynthia Lynn Finkle on Feb. 14, 1987, at the Galilean Lutheran Church in Ocean Shores, Wash. They were married for 31 years and raised four children together. He was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his children. He created many home videos and took countless photographs of his family. He supported them at music concerts and various sporting events. He loved being a mentor and teacher, and was often found helping the youth in the area. He was a member of the Aberdeen High School Industrial Engineering Advisory Board, and spent numerous hours with youth baseball as a coach, manager, and fan.
Phil was an avid outdoorsman. He liked hiking in the Olympic Mountains and once spent 18 hours walking and running over 52 miles through two mountain passes. He reported “It’s something I wanted to do.” Phil was passionate about photography and would put together slide shows of his many hikes. He often shared them with Boy Scout troops so they would be ready for the hikes they were about to face. Phil was a devoted recreational basketball player, playing for years with his close friends. Phil was proud of his yard and maintained it well throughout the year; however he was most proud of his rose garden and precisely trimmed hedge. Phil was a member of the 40 et 8 in Aberdeen.
Phil is survived by his wife Cynthia, ‘Cindy’ Penttila of Aberdeen; two sons: William Penttila of Vancouver, Wash. and Andrew (Maggie and granddaughter Aili) Penttila of Yakima, Wash.; two daughters: Kariann Penttila (Erik Larson) of Aberdeen, Wash. and Emily Penttila of Aberdeen, Wash.; three brothers: Eric (Sharon) Penttila, Steve Penttila, and Lauri Penttila; two sisters: Mary (Mike) Hansen and Chrissy (Tom Maynard) Penttila; his mother-in-law Helen (Aanderud) Finkle; brother-in-law Tim (Brenda) Finkle; sister-in-law Julie (Keith) Haberman; 11 nieces and nephews, six great-nieces and nephews along with several cousins and good friends that made Phil’s life complete.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Eric and Elinor Penttila, his father-in-law William Finkle and his sister-in-law Cheryl Penttila.
There will be a celebration of Phil’s life on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at noon in the Fern Hill Funeral Home’s Chapel. Reception to follow at the Aberdeen 40 et 8.
A message of condolence or a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Wash.
