Leigh Franklin McWilliams passed away in the early hours of April 26, 2016. He spent his last hours in the company of four generations of his loving family.

Leigh was born to Leigh Brown McWilliams and Mae Smith McWilliams on June 10, 1924, in Whittier, Calif.

Leigh grew up in Whittier where, at 15, he met his lifelong companion Mildred (Milly) McWilliams.

Leigh served in World War II in the Army Air Corps as a crew member in a B-24, coming home to marry Milly, attend Whittier College and go on to a successful career in the lumber business.

In 1967, Leigh and Milly moved their family to Whidbey Island where they purchased a small farm on the shore of Penn Cove that would be their home for the next 49 years.

In the late 70s, Leigh and Milly opened Whidbey Stationers, which endeared them to the Oak Harbor community until their retirement in 1990.

Leigh was a founding member of the Irish Wildlife Society, which established the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade as well as a number of other festivities that revived the recognition of Oak Harbor’s Irish heritage.

Leigh loved fishing, golf, and swimming in the warm waters of Hawaii. His favorite pastime was gardening on his beloved property overlooking Penn Cove. After retirement, Leigh and Milly enjoyed boating in the San Juan Islands and spent many years snow-birding along the Colorado River in Parker, Ariz.

Leigh is survived by his lifelong love and companion Milly; children, Don, Jan, and Larry; grandchildren, Shannon Bly, Laura and Peter McWilliams; and great- granddaughter Lily Rose Bly.

A celebration of his life was held at the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church on May 2.

Please visit Leigh’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.