John Richard Hakala was born September 4, 1961 in Sacramento, CA to Jacob and Lola Harriett (Wald) Hakala. He completed high school in California.

John will be greatly missed by his family, coworkers and friends alike. On May 27, 2006, John married the former Bobby Lynn Jackson. She and their family will always be glad they had the time with John. He is credited with teaching them all to be better persons. He was straightforward and to the point, and a "mess" at all times.

John departed this life Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2019 at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, OK at the age of 57 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Dillen Hakala and an infant granddaughter, Jetta Stillwell.

Survivors include his wife, Bobby Hakala of the home; their children, Tiffany Ridge, Ashley Ridge, both of Oklahoma City, OK, Tianna Fortson of Jacksonville, NC, Rabecca Verne of Muskogee, OK, Jon Ryan Bent of Elk Grove, CA, Joah Stillwell of Van Buren, AR, Steven Garrell of Greenwood, AR and John Richard Hakala of Lucerne, CA; by his grandchildren, R.J, Carter "Peewee", Landon "Tank", Jaxon "Hot Rod", Elaina, Zachary, Aria Jade, Stephen, Emma, Ryder and Kenadee; one brother, Larry VanAmburg of Sacramento, CA; extended family and friends, especially his "brothers" Kenny Harmon, Jared Crow, Monty Person and Dennis Hair.

John was employed as a fork lift driver for Mill Creek Lumber in Oklahoma City, OK. Below are the thoughts sent to John's family from his boss at Mill Creek, Robbie.

It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform everyone that our friend and coworker, John Hakala, passed away today.  He was working on a full recovery from recent heart surgery, but took a sudden turn for the worse and it appears this time the fight to survive was finally more than he could overcome.

"Mr. Hakala, as I always called him, was a true, salt-of-the-earth kind of man.  He was incredibly dedicated to his Mill Creek family and never missed an opportunity to tell me how much he loved being a part of our team.  He thought he was lucky to have us, but in reality, we were the lucky ones to have him.  He taught us all a whole lot in the time he was with us, and I think he will continue to teach us long after he is gone.  We must remember that no tomorrow is ever guaranteed.  Any time we have left on earth must be used to the very best of our abilities each and every day.  Mr. Hakala would certainly want us all to remember that.

After having the opportunity to get to know his family the past few months, I learned a lot about how loving he was to his kids, and especially his grandkids.  It's unfortunate for us to lose a friend, but even harder for them to lose a dad and a grandpa.  I would ask that everyone keep them in their prayers as they deal with their loss."