Leo J. Shira, age 94, a longtime resident of Mount Vernon passed away peacefully, Monday, December 1, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Everett, Washington, August 11, 1926, to Leo and Lillian (Currey) Shira. He was the last survivor of two brothers and three sisters.
Leo was a member of the Hillcrest Ward of the LDS Church.
Leo is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Jim) Porter; sons, Michael (Samantha) and James (Cathy) Shira; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis and son, Harry.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00, Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Mount Vernon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center, 1700 E. Hazel, Mount Vernon, followed by the Dedication of the Grave at Saxon Cemetery, Acme, WA. Due to COVID-19 concerns, Masks are required as well as social distancing. If you would like to remotely attend the funeral services please go to: https://bit.ly/MV_LJShira, Password: 202326. Share your memories of Leo and sign the online guest register.
My Grandpa was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. I will forever cherish the many memories we have together. He loved my daughter and was always so excited to see her. He was a man of god and family and loved everyone. He is a huge part of my life and I will always hold him in my heart.
You will be missed. Give Grandma a kiss for me.
We really enjoyed living near Leo and Phyllis. We especially remember the Christmas we did the 12 Days of Christmas for them. Our kids were young and our son would run the gifts up to their door and knock and run away. Phyllis would yell out the door that she was going to call the police if whomever it was did not stop knocking on her door. Michael almost broke a leg running and trying to jump over a small fence in their back yard. Leo was very instrumental in getting our daughter her job at Twin Cities and a peaviner driver. She spent many summers there and Leo kept encouraging her to not quit. He’s a very special man and we have good memories of him.
Larry and I will never forget Leo. He was a treasured member of our Church family. His kindness to all was such an example to us, he often told us he prayed for us.I remember once a visitor sat in “Leo’s seat” and all the kid’s starred at him! We rejoice he has gone to be with his dear ones he missed so much.
Me and my girls knew Leo has the Candyman at church. He always greeted everybody with a friendly smile and the kids were always excited to get Tootsie rolls from him every Sunday, And he even had a couple for momma too. It was kind of nice to always see a friendly familiar face right when you came in the chapel. His sweet smile, kindness and generosity will be missed.
Leo, what a kind and thoughtful man you were. Always thinking of others and always offering of yourself. You built a following with the children of the ward with your tootsie rolls treats every Sunday. I admired your thoughtful thinking and your example of faith, even through your own trials. May you be richly blessed faithful servant, rest in peace.
Rest in peace my Dear Uncle Leo
I only knew Leo in passing as we lived in the same Mobile Home Park, but he was always cheerful and concerned about me. His little dog “Shorty” was very special to him, and he was kind to me. God bless his soul