Obit: David Clyde 2

Quincy

Aug. 5 1921 — Dec. 3, 2023

Reino Lehto was born Aug. 5, 1921, on the banks of the Columbia River in Quincy, the eighth child of Nestor and Lizzie (Salmon) Lehto.

Lizzie died when Reino was 9 months old, and Reino spent his first eight years in Astoria with relatives, returning home to finish his schooling at the Bradbury School in Quincy. His formal education ended in the eighth grade, when he joined his father and brother, Ruben, in working the family farm.

Reino was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II, serving from 1942 to 1945 in Norwich, England, as a prop mechanic.

Upon returning to the U.S., he bought a used fishing boat for $600 and launched a commercial fishing career that lasted 46 years, fishing out of Mayger Dock. He was a member of the Columbia River Fishermen’s Protective Union.

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 90s 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, 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 68 years, raising nine children. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary at home on the day he died, Dec 3. He was 102 years old.

Reino is survived by his wife. Thelma; five sons, Mark, Paul, Frans, David and Nathan; four daughters, Mary, Kathleen, Rebecca and Christine; 19 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and two grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 9 at the Longview Laestadian Lutheran Church in Longview, Washington.

Interment was at the Mayger Downing Church cemetery in Mayger.