SOUTH PARIS – Holger V. Pulkkinen, of South Paris, United States Navy retired, died March 29, at Market Square Health Care Center, after a courageous battle with ALS.

He was born in South Paris, on April 10, 1929, to Joe and Lula Pulkkinen. He served his country with pride as a member of the United States Navy. On May 1, 1955, he married Patricia Wood of Norway, with whom he has shared his life for over 50 years.

In addition to serving on the USS St. Paul and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of the highlights of his military career in Naval Aviation was being stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with Pat and there three young children. Always energetic and active, he was still “Navy trim” enough to wear his wedding suit to the couple’s 50th anniversary celebration given by their children last May.

After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, he and Pat settled on the Hooper Ledge Road, where he built the family home and workshops. He landscaped his property into a beautiful “estate,” complete with a pond stocked with fish and extensive stonework adorning the property. He was also a gentleman farmer and produced large high bush blueberry crops. He developed a “handyman” business” in the local area until his retirement from that second career in 1994.

In addition to being a talented builder and landscaper, he has achieved recognition for his colorful pieces of art created from discarded shovels. His technique of applying color by drip painting produced unique works of art from ordinary tools.

In tribute to his Finnish heritage, he was a master baker of Nissu, and family and friends enjoyed this special sweet treat often. A man with many interests, he was an avid pool player and had many local friends with whom he played.

He is survived by his wife, Pat of South Paris; a daughter, Jody Pulkkinen of Norway; a son, Joel and wife, Linda, of Woodstock; a daughter, Joan and husband, Jim Blackwell, of Riverview, Fla.; six grandchildren, Jason, Jillian, Juliette, Jesse, and Levi Blackwell and Laina Pulkkinen; and two step-grandchildren; his mother and sister of Fitchburg, Mass. and two nieces.

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