Leon Harry Greene, 87, of Sedro-Woolley, WA passed away on October 16, 2014 at Skagit Valley Hospital with his wife, Bonnie, and his daughter, Lorrie at his side.
He was born on December 21, 1926, the youngest of three children to Leon Howard and Gertrude (Matthews) Greene, in Thompson Falls, Montana, where he grew up and graduated from high school.
In 1944 Leon enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving two years, and receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Following this, he worked primarily in the logging industry. He went on to attend several Universities, while working to support his family, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree and continued to work towards a Doctorate Degree.
In 1959, Leon was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) to improve and expand the Educational system for the children of employees on Wake Island.
In 1965, Leon returned stateside to accept the position of Principal at Mary Purcell Elementary School in Sedro-Woolley, where he remained until his retirement in 1982.
Leon enjoyed extensive traveling. He also had a natural talent for stone sculpting and woodworking.
Leon and Bonnie were married on January 10, 1999. They were always together taking their walks, working in their garden, traveling, and attending various community activities. They were very active in the Retired Teachers Assoc. and Skagit Mineral Club.
Leon is survived by his wife of 15 years, Bonnie; son, Michael (Cherry), of Prescott, AZ; daughters, Lynn (Rick) of Grant, FL, and Lorrie (Lester) of Sedro-Woolley; step-children, Jane of Mountlake Terrace, WA, Rick Karlis of Seattle, WA and Jim (Charlene) of San Diego, CA and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Clayton and Mary and his daughter, Darsie.
A memorial service for Leon will be held at the Central United Methodist Church 1013 Polte Road, Sedro-Woolley on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 1:00PM. Following the service, everyone is invited to join the family for refreshments in the fellowship hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Skagit Valley Kidney Center, P.D., 208 Hospital Parkway, Mt. Vernon, WA 98274 or Washington State School Retirees Assoc., 4726 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey, WA 98503-1216 or Central United Methodist Church, 1013 Polte Rd., Sedro-Woolley, WA.
Wake Island ’60-’64. My condolences to the entire Green family. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I often thought of him as a dedicated and disciplinarian educator, and a family man. I also feared ‘detention’ never wanted my name on the blackboard detention list. I remember him saying how important it is to have an education and one never ceases learning until the day one dies. He will be missed.
(P.S. I serendipitously to this website, glad I did)
I am so saddened by Mr. Greene’s passing. I went to Mary Purcell school from 1968-1977, the photo is exactly how I remember Mr. Greene, he was the kindest, gentlest most caring person, he always made his students feel important, smart and treasured. I will miss you walking by my window every day and waving, may you rest in peace.
I was a newer employee in the Sedro-Woolley School District when Leon was principal at Mary Purcell. I got to know Leon through the Sedro-Woolley Kiwanis club. He was involved in the club for many years. Annually he and Chuck would deliver many boxes of mandarin oranges to the schools and other locations during the club’s annual fundraiser. I always saw him working in his yard and walking with his wife Bonnie around the neighborhood as they lived right across the street from Mary Purcell. While he will certainly be missed, Heaven has received yet another good man. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Greene was our principal of Wake Is School. He was the best principal in all our our lives. He was dedicated. He was also strict and fair. He would spend after school hours and Saturdays working at the school inside and outside. Sometimes some students would get into trouble as they would have to come on Saturdays to clear the Playground of large rocks as punishment for their behavior . Mr. Greene was ways there. Later when we left Wake Is. I along with the Greene’s moved to Washington. Leon and Aunty Opal and later Bonnie would always come to visit the Islands of Hawaii. They always spent time visiting my family and one year they even purchased a pig that would be cooked and eaten by the extended family. When my mom came up here to visit, the Greene’s home was always open with such wonderful hospitality. During the Canadian Expo we stayed at their house because no hotels we available. We stayed many times during our visits to Washington, Canada and USA. Leon alway took us for small tours around the countryside. Every year we would look forward to the yearly Christmas letter and he would share with us all their travels in US and around the world. He would also share how his Children: Mike, Lynn and Lorrie and their families were doing. He also shared with me how he lost Darsie. He loved his family very much. Mr. Greene will be remembered for his dedication to his country, students and his family. We were truly touched by having him in our lives. My regards and sympathy to Bonnie and the family.
I have such great memories of Leon. He would come to Mom & Dad’s house for dinner often, and in the summers his daughter Lorrie would come too. Lorrie, my heart goes out to you, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts are with you all. We will cherish our memories while we morn his passing. He will be missed.