Mr George A Nikula

George “Finn” Nikula of Olympia left this world on June 17, 2016, in Germany doing exactly what he loved—traveling on a Baltic cruise, enjoying great food, talking with interesting people, and awaiting a day of adventure on an excursion.

George was born in Centralia, WA, to Martha and Oscar Nikula on July 9, 1942. As a first generation Finn, he took great pride in his Finnish heritage and planned to visit Finland following the cruise. After growing up in Raymond, WA, he attended Everett Community College, and graduated with a degree in history from Western Washington University in Bellingham. He taught at Nisqually Middle School, coached football at Reeves Middle School, and substituted for twenty years in many schools throughout the area. Wherever he went locally, former students recognized him.

A happy spirit and love of fun dominated all George did. He was a huge sports fan, especially of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Huskies. He maintained sports stats fanatically and coordinated a football and March Madness pool for friends. He officiated for the NFTA track meets in Eugene, OR; local high school track meets; and the 2004 Olympic Trials in Sacramento. Everett Community College initiated him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. As a member of the South Sound YMCA for 45 years, he played racquetball for decades.

George shared his interest in history and travel with his second wife Sandra (Sandy) Crowell, whom he married in 1999. He and Sandy traveled to Europe, Canada, Turkey, Hawaii, and the western states. Taking off in their RV, they explored the US in a cross-country trip to the East Coast in 2011 and “snow-birded” to Arizona for sun and spring training. In the sunny Northwest summers, George loved building woodland trails on the couple’s property, Finn Farm, near Littlerock. He and Sandy are active members in the Unity Church of Lewis County in Centralia.

George Nikula is survived by his wife, Sandy Crowell; three stepchildren, Cindi Turner; Loree Filizer (Hakan); and Ben Crowell (LeAnn); cousins Albin Saari and Helen Haglund; nine step-grandchildren; Ron Jones and the “guys” who were his lifelong friends. George is preceded in passing by his stepson, Robert Allen Turner.

A celebration of George Nikula’s life will be held on his birthday, July 9th .

“Happy Trails, Finn Power. You taught us how to make fun out of every moment.”

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.