Junior Orvill Klock, age 85, a lifetime resident of the harbor, passed away on April 6, 2012, in Grays Harbor Community Hospital. Mr. Klock was born on July 7, 1926, in Hoquiam to Jens Oaf and Sofia Amelia (Johnson) Klock.

Junior grew up in Hoquiam, Washington, where he graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1944. He played basketball in 1942, 1943 and 1944. He also played football, baseball and track. He lettered in basketball and was the third recipient for the Elmer Huhta Award for all around athlete of the year.

After high school, he entered the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. While there, he was an instructor and taught math. He later was stationed in San Francisco, California. His roommate and best friend at that time was Mr. George Weyerhaeuser, whom he continued his friendship until his retirement. He first worked for Ralph Hovis Chevron and later as the manager of Most Western Laundry. For most of his career, he was owner of J & V Services, contracting with Rayonier in the exporting of logs from the Hoquiam yard on Moon Island.

On March 19, 1955, Junior married Virginia. Virginia preceded Junior in death in 1996. His most cherished memories are dancing with Virginia at the Elks Club in Hoquiam, of which he was a member for 53 years. Many weekends were spent with their group of dancers attending conventions displaying their ballroom skills.

Surviving relatives include two daughters, Roby (George) Bold and Terry Hopsecger; a brother, Robert Klock; three grandchildren, Lori Wilson, Kendra Shippey and Steve Douglass; and five great grandsons. In addition to his parents and his wife Virginia, six brothers, Oswald, Bernt “Ben”, Rudolph, Clarence, John and Hjalmar died previously.

The family would like to thank the nurses and attendants at the Karr house for all of their care and concern. In Junior’s name, the family suggests that memorial remembrances be given to the American Cancer Society, C/O Relay for Life, P.O. Box 202, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

Private interment will take place at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.