In memoriam:
Jaakko Tuominen was born May 4, 1944 in Orimattila, Finland and passed away suddenly on October 27, 2001 in Astoria, Oregon.
Jaakko was considered a Finnish Legend as communicated in an article written on Jaakko, nicknamed, "Jaska", in Kolumbus.fi. A Finnish Olympian, Jaakko specialized in the 400 meter hurdles. Jaakko later attended Brigham Young University on an athletic scholarship and held school records for several years.
Previously employed by the Nike Corporation of Beaverton, Oregon, Jaakko and wife, Kati, had retired to own and operate the Rose River Inn, a bed and breakfast establishment in Astoria.
The Finlandia Foundation has established a Memorial Sports Fund in Jaakko's name. For more information on how you can contribute please click here to see the Finlandia Foundation news release.
This past year Jaakko generously donated a trophy - his 1966 Finnish 400 meter Champion trophy - to the low gross winner of the Finn Golf Event.
He will be sorely missed by family, friends, acquaintances and Finn Golf.
Editor's Note:
I knew Jaakko for only a short time and golfed with him in the last two Finn Golf Tournaments. Jaakko was a man that touched your life in a very influential way regardless of how long you knew him. He became a man I very much respected, admired and considered a good friend. I will miss his dominating presence and ever present smile.
Ron Tuohimaa
