Oscar Henry Koski, age 83, of Richland, WA, died peacefully at his home on June 5, 2007. Oscar was born on February 24, 1924, one of 12 children to immigrant Finnish parents. Following service in World War II where Oscar received the Silver Star and flew 54 combat missions as the navigator on a B-17 ''Flying Fortress'' he claimed God was his co-navigator, he obtained his Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. Oscar then obtained his Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Montana State College in Bozeman, MT. Upon completing his education, Oscar worked for General Electric and Battelle Northwest until his retirement in 1987.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 48 years, Eileen; four children: Elizabeth Bombino and husband Joseph of Richland, WA, Carolyne Bastian of Elko, NV, Henry Koski and wife Kathy of Richland, WA, and Leslie Koski of Lynwood, WA; six grandchildren: Elysha Pleasant of Kennewick, WA, Hershal Pleasant and wife Michelle of Augusta, GA, Miranda Custer and husband Michael of Cheney, WA, Jessica Bombino of Cheney, WA, and Ruben and Eileen Koski of Richland WA; three great grandchildren: Hayden and Ellie Pleasant of Kennewick, WA; and Edward Pleasant of Augusta, GA; sister Edna Mae Oja and brother Reuben Koski of Ishpeming, MI, and numerous nieces and nephews. Oscar was preceded in death by his parents and nine of his siblings.

Oscar loved the outdoors and walked faithfully every day, always with a pocket full of treats for his numerous canine friends. Oscar was proud of his Finnish heritage and showed his ''Sisu'' to the end.

A memorial service will be held June 8, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. at Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen, Richland, WA. Those wishing to honor his memory may contribute to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick WA, 99336.