Paavo Esa Antero Patokoski

He lived in Oulu, Finland until he immigrated to Portland, Oregon with his parents and two brothers, Timo and Pekka in 1947. The Patokoski’s lived with the Teppola family until they purchased a house in NE Portland. Esa went to Jefferson High School where he played baseball and was on the cheer squad.

After graduating from Jefferson in 1959, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in England. Esa traveled throughout Europe playing softball for the base team. He served four years and moved back to Portland. Esa attended Portland State University, where he met and married his wife of nearly 57 years, Sara Jean “Jeannie” in 1965. Together they raised their two daughters in SW Portland.

Paavo worked at ESCO Corporation for 35 years. Paavo started in the foundry and ended in Research and Development. He was known in the SW Portland baseball community as Coach or Esa, where he coached Babe Ruth baseball for many years. He also was involved in his daughters’ basketball and softball teams and attended all of their track/cross country meets and games.

Esa’s and Jeannie’s home on Hamilton Street was always open to family and friends where sharing memories over a beer, a sauna or picking blueberries were common place. His yard and garden were well loved and full of color and bountiful produce. In 1997, he became “Papa”, where he continued his love and support of his three granddaughters watching soccer, basketball, swim meets, softball games and musical performances.

In 2018, Esa and Jeannie moved to Charbonneau where they enjoyed retirement. Esa enjoyed watching the “golf channel”, collecting golf balls, swimming, relaxing, and meeting new friends. Esa also spent time researching his genealogy, volunteering for the Messiah Lutheran Church and the Old Timers Baseball Association.

On November 6, 2021, Paavo Esa, “Papa”, passed away due to complications from open heart surgery. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; his daughters Kirsti (Chris) Griffin and Maija (Jerry) Higginbotham; three granddaughters, Sara, Cameron and Elli; his brother, Pekka; many nieces and nephews; and extended family in Finland.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Messiah Lutheran Church of Portland. In the spirit of continuing the tradition of Papa’s Party, a celebration of life will be held July 9, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Charbonneau Country Club in Wilsonville, OR.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Patokoski family.