Former Skagit County resident Leon E. Eichenlaub, passed away in Port Angeles Aug. 23, 2004, as a result of complications from pneumonia and emphysema. He was born in rural Pennsylvania to Clarence and Mildred (Gray) Eichenlaub. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an apprentice seaman in 1941.
He was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station where he met his future bride, Roberta M. Schroeder, who was a Coast Guard nurse at the shipyard in Anacortes. They were married in August of 1943 in Mount Vernon and began 30 years of world travel together.
Mr. Eichenlaub began his military career and served in all enlisted grades, including master chief, and then went on to become a warrant officer and retired as a lieutenant in February 1971. His duty stations included locations in California, Washington, Rhode Island, Iraq and Italy. After his military retirement, he attended Skagit Valley College earning an AA degree and then attended Western Washington University, obtaining a B.S. and master’s degree in education cum laude in 1980. He taught high school industrial arts in Anacortes for several years until his health forced him to retire again.
He and his wife enjoyed the snowbird lifestyle in Yuma, Ariz., for many years. Together, they were well known for their frequent and warm hospitality. He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed woodworking, reading, and other artistic endeavors.
Survivors include daughters Carol Peterson and husband Bill, Donna Boudet and husband George, all of Port Angeles; sons Robert Eichenlaub of Woodinville and Chuck Eichenlaub and wife Starr of Concrete; brothers Wilbur and wife Evelyn and Dale Eichenlaub and wife Bonnie, all of Pennsylvania, and sister Margaret Huseby and husband Marcillius of Mount Vernon; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Robert in 2001.
He was a 50-year member of the Fleet Reserve. A member of American Legion, Masons, Elks and the “Gentlemen’s Club” at St. Andrew’s Place.
A memorial service will be held at Mount Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent Friday, Sept. 17, at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow. Memorial can be made to St. Andrew’s Place, 520 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362 or Hospice of Clallam Country, 540 East 8th St., Port Angeles, WAS 98362.
