Henry James Dolinar

Henry J. Dolinar was born on August 3, 1920 to Francis & Josephine (Milharcic) Dolinar in Moon Run, Pennsylvania (a small town outside of Pittsburg). He was the 4th of 7 children. His father was a coal miner, farmer and carpenter; his Mother a boarding house cook prior to the arrival of the children. Both parents were of Austrian descent. He lived on various farms in Ohio before moving to the city of Salem, Ohio. Hank found himself leaving school after the 10th grade so he could work with his Dad in the carpentry field to earn money for the family.

When the war broke out he enlisted in the Air Force. His learned carpentry skills were recognized and he started as a carpenters helper. He furthered his skills by graduating from various schools in the Air Force (Airplane Mechanic, Engineer-Gunner). Eventually becoming the Chief Flight Engineer with the rank of S/SGT. He and his crew (flying B-25 bomber) traveled to various bases in the Southern part of the United States before being stationed in the South Pacific (the Philippines, Palawan Island, etc). He received awards for his service including 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Metal, etc.

After the war he moved a lot throughout Oregon, California and Ohio. During those years he worked for a time as a logger, sheet metal worker and home builder/remodeler. He finally returned to Salem, Ohio where he met Judith Pfiller at Gilford Lake Restaurant & Club. He waited until the last dance to approach her. After that dance she gave him her phone number! It took 3 weeks for him to call her but she knew that night he was the one! They were married May 10, 1955. Judy, Hank and Lenny then moved out to Oregon where some of his family had relocated to. He and his wife lived in the same house in SE Portland throughout their lives. He remodeled the house several times.

He is survived by his daughter Joanne (David Kinnaman), son Lenny Michael, grandchildren Dustin (Niki) Michael, Misty Michael, Amy and Ashley Kinnaman plus 4 great-grandchildren, sister Ann Stevens (the last surviving sister), sister-in-law Joyce Dolinar and numerous nieces and nephews.

He spent over 40 years of his life working for Archer, Blower & Pipe Company joining Local 16 Sheet Metal Union an eventually becoming a Journeyman. He retired in 1982. This allowed him to help Judy babysit his granddaughters Amy and Ashley. They were able to travel a few times to Hawaii, one of his favorite places. Hank had many friends, but closest were his brothers Sye and Bill, brother-in-law Art and Norm Small. They are all in heaven together rehashing the stories of the "good old times" and who knows maybe creating some more good times.

He was a very social person who easily made new friends. He loved spending time at the cabin with family and friends. He was a fisherman; hunter; gardener and enjoyed camping. After retirement he became a great cook/baker even raising chickens (which he affectionately called "the girls"). He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, watching softball, and socializing with neighbors while riding around on his 3-wheeler or walking Grand-dog Jewels, sharing his produce, eggs or just his great stories.

You are loved by many people (and animals) and will be missed by all.

Remembrance donations can be made on his behalf to e. NW Dog Shelter or to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife -- Jewels Elk Refugee.