Leonidas Stell Jordan, 85, died of colon cancer on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at his home in Coupeville. His death was marked by the same pragmatism, humor and sense of adventure with which he had approached everything in his life.

Leo lived a rich, full, active life. Born on July 17, 1928, in Butte, Mont., Leo was the fourth of nine children born to Stell and Doris Jordan.

Always very independent, he left Butte at 13 with a dime in his pocket and headed west.

For a short time he held a variety of odd jobs, including a stint as a cow hand on a Montana ranch, before beginning a lifelong career as a merchant seaman.

He worked his way from ordinary seaman to become the youngest captain working for American Mail Line, a distinction he held for many years. In 1950, he married Joanne Little.

They settled in Edmonds, Wash., and raised four children. The couple relocated to Depoe Bay, Ore., where they lived until her death in 1988.

Having retired during his wife’s illness, Leo spent the next several years traveling in his motorhome. In 1993, he married Billie Jean Cubbage (Bartle) and they moved to Coupeville. He loved his waterfront setting and often referred to it as the “perfect anchorage.”

Never idle, he worked hard at his retirement.

He loved to help people and was always willing to donate his time, money and skills.

He was an active volunteer for many years with the Coupeville Museum and the Coupeville Arts Festival. He also found time to help many friends, neighbors and family members with remodeling or other projects.

Leo was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.

Many were made better by having him in their life. Leo often stated that he wanted to live, not just exist. Those left behind would agree that he did just that. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Jean; his daughters Sharon Smith (Tom), Kim Jordan (Ted),Pam Ainsley (Keith); and step-daughters Carrie Cubbage and Rebecca Noble (Mark). He also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His son Michael preceded him in death.

A celebration of his life will be held 1-5 p.m., Nov. 30, 2013 at Zorba’s Restaurant 32955 Highway 20 in Oak Harbor.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of the Northwest.