Paavo's life is one of a true immigrant's story of hard work, perseverance, grit (which we call SISU in Finnish), and dedication to his adoptive country he loved. He gave of his gifts while preserving his culture proudly to his children and grandchildren.

He was born in Tuusula, Finland, and endured a hard life with his parents and siblings during trying times: A time of unrest in Finland following the Continuation War. He was the oldest of five siblings born to Yrjo and Ekaterina Leinonen. He served in the army and began a life with his first wife with whom he had two children before she suddenly passed away. He then met and married his second wife and had a son before they decided to uproot and board the Seven Seas in August of 1957. Landing in Toronto, he found work as a lumberjack. He worked long hours away from home which contributed to the failure of his marriage. Paavo was left with his first two children to raise on his own. It wasn't long when attending a dance at the Finnish dance hall that he met our mother, Terttu. He swept her off her feet. Together they worked hard to support the family while learning the language and customs of their new home. Soon they had a daughter and son together. With adventurous spirits, again they packed up and moved to Southern California in search of a better life. There they found a strong Finnish connection and support group through their church which they attended regularly. Paavo was able to find employment doing what he loved most: being a machinist! On a huge lathe and vertical mill he turned parts for the Space Shuttle and other large craft.

A brand-new home and neighborhood awaited the family, as did the birth of his youngest daughter. Many special memories were made running around the beautiful hills of Agoura. After a few years, Dad got the gypsy-itch to move to Washington State. He loved the Seattle area; the seafood, the Puget Sound, and dense fir trees. They became involved again with a Finnish community and church. For Dad, sharing coffee and treats was life's greatest pleasure. He was always up for a weekend road trip, which always involved ice cream!

Eventually, the family longed to return to California where enjoying the outdoors was more enjoyable as far as the weather goes. The children enjoyed their middle, high school, and college years there, but once they flew the nest, he and his beloved wife returned to the Seattle area. When his and Mom's health became a concern, they moved close to their daughter and grandson in Paso Robles, California. Then at the end of their lives they moved to be near their daughter and family in Helena, Montana. Dad was loved by everyone he met. He made good friends at Hunters Pointe, and in the end at Bee Hive homes of Helena.

It is inspiring to think about a couple, with nothing but their American Dream, fueling their journey in a foreign country that became so dear to them. It is a true immigrants' story, one that has contributed to the backbone that made this country what it is today.

Thank you, Dad, Pappa, for providing a beautiful life for us. With loving memories: daughter Riitta Ballantyne (John), son Roy Leinonen, daughter Jenny Johnson, grandsons Wes (Kait), Jack (Emily), Lucas, and Theissen, and granddaughter Hannele. Great granddaughters Larisa, Aria, and Florence.