Bent John Pouttu

A 30-year resident of Elo, John wintered in Mexico since retiring as a carpenter. He was born April 22, 1941, in Highland Park, to Pentti Esa Pouttu and Hilda Narhi Pouttu, both of Finnish pioneer homestead families in Elo.

The first of six children (all sisters), John attended John A. Doelle School in Tapiola and moved with the family to Casper, Wyoming, in 1951. After graduating from Natrona County High School in 1959, he attended Casper College, where he was the school mascot, the Thunderbird.

He was active in the mountaineering club, eventually climbing every major peak in North America. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a teaching assistantship in Spanish, and continued in political science at Colorado State University.

John fell in love with Latin culture during research trips to Latin America and eventually became an expert in Mesoamerican indigenous cultures. John taught spanish at various schools, lived in France and Canada, then returned to Elo and married Deanna Paul.

After the birth of his children, Matt (1974) and Myla (1975), he relocated to Boulder, Colorado, for five years, where he worked building custom homes designed by architect, Charles Haertling. John returned to raise his children in Elo.

He was a master carpenter, studied marine construction in Seattle, worked as a marine engineer in Alabama and built a Bahama skiff in Alabama that won first prize in a boat show. He was a skilled draftsman, driver and automechanic. Custom projects include a park sculpture honoring Heartling in Boulder Colorado, and guitars in Paracho, Mexico. A natural musician, John taught himself to play several instruments including guitar, accordion, harmonica and auto harp (kantele), singing and playing both American and Mexican folk music at festivals and gatherings.

He enjoyed hiking, camping and fishing and will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, interesting conversations, sense of humor and love of music. His many projects in wood, stone and concrete will remain for generations.

Bent John Pouttu is survived by a sister, Helen Cooke; a son, Matt Pouttu; grandchildren, Tia and Ethan; and daughter, Myla Haider; grandson, Adam; an aunt, Lillian Pouttu; thirteen nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

A memorial gathering is planned for friends and family from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 29, 2021, in Tapiola.