Obituary - D. Robert Hakala

Thursday, April 19, 2001
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Juneau resident Donald Robert "Bob" Hakala died April 17, 2001, of cancer in his home in Juneau.

He was born May 25, 1921, in Ironwood, Mich., to John and Nannie Hakala. He attended Ironwood schools and learned to fly before joining the Army Air Corp in 1943. He earned flight officer wings and was severely injured in a flying accident at Fort Bragg, N.C. After his recovery he attended Michigan State University, earning a master's degree in forestry. While at MSU he met and married Jean Macklem.

His career as a forester and naturalist included six years at Isle Royale National Park where he initiated interpretive services (visitor education and information). He later served as curator and new parks planner for the National Parks Service, developing exhibits for some 20 national parks. He came to Alaska in 1962 as regional chief of interpretive services and his accomplishments included development of the Marine Highway interpretive program.

He was active in 4-H as a youth and throughout his career he worked with youth camps and nature trails. He and Jean started a 4-H forestry club and were involved in the Switzer Creek project, now the Richard Marriot Memorial Trail.

He received many professional awards for his work. The Forest Service established a regional award named in his honor. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters, the National Forestry Honorary Society and Xi Sigma Pi.

His family wrote that he will be remembered for his gentle humor, his patience and respect for children and his music and songs. He was an avid recylcer and collector of old tools. Sharing his love for nature was central to his life.

Hakala was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George.

He is survived by his wife Jean and son Ron of Juneau, daughters Jannie Choquette (and Thomas) of Seattle, Mary Ord (and Peter) of Juneau, grandchildren Jesse, Janae and Jolie Choquette of Seattle, Jordan Hakala and Nathan, Annika and Bekka Ord of Juneau; sisters Nan Helen Saari of Wisconsin, June Vaugen and Ilona Folk of Washington and brothers John B. and Merril J. of Fairbanks and Edward of Anchorage.

A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Juneau, 3200 Hospital Dr. 99801.