Life of Slambert: Leonard Edward Person

Leonard Edward Person

Leonard Edward Person passed away peacefully of congestive heart failure

on February 9th in Vancouver, WA. He was 94.

Leonard was born in Venersborg, WA, on April 5, 1917 to Gerhard and

Minnie Person. “Len” was the last surviving sibling of his two sisters and four

brothers. He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1935 as a two

year letterman in football, baseball and track. 1935 was the year he helped the

football team win the state championship.

Leonard is survived by his wife Edith of 73 years. Len and Edie were

married on May 12, 1938 in the home of Roy and Jean Andersen at Rock

Creek, WA. Len is also survived by his three children, Richard “Dick” Person

(wife Janet) of Cougar, Diane Hanson of Vancouver and Janet Davis

(husband Dave) of Battle Ground. He is also survived by eight grandchildren

and seven great-grandchildren.

Leonard worked as a painter and builder of

nine homes in the Vancouver/Battle Ground area where he lived most his life. he

also served in the Army as a sergeant in World War II. Len enjoyed playing the

accordian and harmonica and he loved to travel, hunt and fish. More than

anything, he loved life with his family, his church and his many friends. His motto

was, “Put Christ first, and everything else will work out.” All would agree that he

lived a godly life.

Leonard and Edith were charter members of Vancouver First Friends Church for 73

years, but they also attended Charter Oak Evangelical Free Church in Battle Ground

when they lived on the family farm from 1955 to 1962. A memorial service will be held at

the Charter Oak Community Church on Sunday, Feb 19, 2012 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to Vancouver

First Friends Church or to Charter Oak Community Church.

I had the privilege of knowing this man his last 6 years, thanks to my wife.

Leonard Person, is a man of Legacy. It is a wonderful thing to pray with a fellow believer and gain a sense of legacy one has when they live a life surrounded to God. I was blessed beyond measure two weeks ago, when I got to pray with him, hug him, and thank him for laying a foundation of faith that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can solidly stand upon.

Though my memories of Leonard only consist of his last 6 years, I have fond memories of his story telling of fishing and hunting, and pioneering in Southwest Washington. As you can see from the first photo, he didn't even have to lie about his fishing successes!

What a blessing for Thaddeus to have the memories of riding the ATV with Gramps on every visit back to the NW.

My Photo Tribute