John Kohtala

POLAND — John Kohtala, 52, went to be with his Savior on Sunday, March 22, 2015.

He was born Nov. 5, 1962, in Farmington, to Esther Marie and the late Edwin I. Kohtala. A vivacious person with a strong Christian faith, “Johnny K” loved basketball, ice fishing, hunting and coaching, and he lived life to the fullest; his presence brightened every room and life he entered.

John attended Mt. Blue High School, where he was best known as an All-State basketball player for the Mt. Blue Cougars. After graduating in 1981, he continued his studies and basketball career at UMF and UMM. He met his lovely wife, Amy Lombard, while attending UMM and they married in 1991. John was an assistant director of admissions at UMM, where he worked for 10 years. He also assisted in coaching basketball and soccer there. John then joined Hancock Lumber to work with his close friends, the Hancock family, where he was currently employed in sales. He also served as an assistant coach for the “Lady Lakers” of Lake Region High School for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Amy; the “lights of his life,” daughters Hope and Jordyn; mother, Marie, of Vienna; brother Edwin and wife, Angie, of Orono; sister Kathy Knight and husband, Karl, of Dixfield; sister Lory Zamboni and husband, Dave, of Wilton; Amy’s entire family; and many adoring nieces and nephews who will all miss his contagious smile, love for life, and colorful personality.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Poland Baptist Church, at 817 Maine St., Poland. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 28 at the Lake Region High School gymnasium at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco. Internment will take place later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kohtala Memorial Fund in memory of John Kohtala c/o Camden National Bank, 178 Court St., Suite 1, Auburn, ME 04210. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com