Cecil Raymond Ojala

Cecil Raymond Ojala, 85, of Brimley Michigan, was welcomed home into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, June 22, 2013 with his family by his side. Cecil was born March 4, 1928 in Brimley Michigan, the son of the late Reuben and Alma (Nivala) Ojala. He was a proud graduate of Brimley High School in 1946, having played basketball and baseball. He loved to pitch and did so very well, having had the "offer" to try out for professional ball. Following High School, Cecil worked for the U.S. Forestry Service, D.N.R., the Tannery, and the Army Corp of Engineers. From 1950 to 1952, Cecil proudly served his country with the U. S. Army in Germany. In 1954, he joined The Michigan State Police, retiring in 1980. Also in 1980, Cecil married Audrey Alexander, and together they have eight children. They owned and operated the Parkway Motel. Cecil was actively involved past/present with the V.F.W., American Legion, BPOE, Christopher Columbus Hall, Sault Horseshoe League, Crime Stoppers, and The Sault Salmon Derby. In his spare time, he enjoyed family and friends, pitching horseshoes, playing cribbage, fishing and hunting, as well as good times with the "BMB's". For more than 25 years they wintered in Alabama. Meeting wonderful friends... "Chosen family". Cecil is survived by Audrey, his loving wife of 33 years, his children, Michael (Joan) Ojala, David (Carolyn) Ojala, Stephen (Tina) Ojala, Nancy (Paul) Brewster, Pamela (Jerome) Gervias, Steven (Sandy) Forrest, Carol (Christopher) Millward, and Terri Forrest, as well as 24 grand children and 15 great grand children. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Reuben (Betty) Ojala, Margaret (Charles) Matthews, Gladys (Jim) McKiddie, Clarence (Mary) Ojala, Mildred Upchurch, and Stanley (Karen) Ojala, Hazel (Orville) Nutkins, Leah Brown, Elaine (Odin) Eitrem, Charles (Kathy) Alexander and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him on his journey, besides his parents were, his sisters Gloria Cottle and Eleanor Ojala, sister-in-law Sharon Ojala, and brother-in-laws Clarence Cottle, James Upchurch, Peter Brown and twin grand-daughters Patricia and Michelle Millward. Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2013 at the First Congregational Church in Brimley, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Cecil's life will begin at 12:00 noon with Pastor Rod Case officiating. A luncheon will be served at the Brimley V.F.W. Hall. Following the luncheon, Cecil will be laid to rest at Spectacle Overlook Cemetery. (Mission Hill Cemetery)

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Cecil Raymond Ojala

March 4, 1928 - June 22, 2013