Oswald Hansen Totland, 94, went home to be with his Lord on May 17, 2008. His celebration of life ended on Norwegian Constitution Day, a day of dynamic celebration in Norway, also his brother Hans’ birthday. Ossie was the last of his generation of Totlands.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Virginia Rose Totland. She resides in the Special Care Unit of Careage of Whidbey.

Ossie was born June 28, 1913 in Tysse in Samnanger, Norway. He was the youngest child of Ole and Inga (Grenersen) Totland. Their family included his siblings, Goodney, George, Hans, Marie and Inga Totland.

Ole Totland, his father, emigrated to the United States in 1906. He returned to Norway several times in 1912-1913. Then in 1923, he brought the rest of his family to the U.S. They lived in Minneapolis with family for awhile, then moved to the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

Ossie was a champion gold medal winner on the Adams Grade School soccer team. He attended Ballard High School where he excelled in wood turning. At age 18, he was stricken with tuberculosis. He resided at Firland Sanatorium for two years. After his release, he left for Alaska to be with his brother, Hans. He also spent time in Lee Vining, Calif., with his brother, George.

Again back in Ballard, Ossie and his best friend, Bob Johnson, went to Calling School for the “Happy Hoofers.”

He met his future wife, Virginia, dancing with the Hoofers. They married on Oct. 28, 1948 at Ballard First Lutheran Church.

As they began their life together, Ossie fished in Alaska then went into the lumber business. Virginia left her career to make a home for their family.

Before long James Oswald was born on Aug. 17, 1949 and his sister Elaine Marie soon followed on April 28, 1952.

They lived close to Ossie’s father, Ole Totland, near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport until his father’s death at 95.

Ossie worked for Boeing for a few years. He enjoyed a 25-year career with U.S. Plywood, a division of Champion International. He served in a variety of capacities at the mills. He worked on the green chain, fished for logs and processed plywood. He retired on July 23, 1976.

In October of 1985, Ossie’s daughter moved her family to Clinton. She encouraged her parents to sell their homes and move to the “land of milk and honey.” They made it to the “Shores of Possession” where they enjoyed beautiful sunsets for many years.

When the Maple Ridge Community was just a dream, they put money down on a condominium for the remainder of their lives.

Ossie was at Careage of Whidbey for the last 17 months. He was forever committed to his sweetheart, Virginia Rose.

He had a God-given ability to make the best out of whatever life brought him. He was a kind and gentle spirit, quick to smile and always eager to share. Ossie will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; two children, James (Marge) Totland and Elaine Copple (Mike Claus); five grandchildren, Wesley Walters of Portland, Ore., Karen Walters of Bellevue, Julie Totland, James Totland, and Jodie Totland; three great-grandchildren, Marissa Cantalupo, Abby Tutor and Kira Tutor; and a large extended family.

God go with you, Ossie, the Lord’s faithful servant.

A memorial service will be held at 1p.m. Thursday, June 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. A salmon feast will follow the services at the church.

Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Arrangements are by Visser Funeral Home, Langley.