Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Leonard Salmi Jr., age 88, passed away from Lewy Body Dementia at his home in Aberdeen on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. He was born March 9, 1933, in Aberdeen, Washington, to George Sr. and Catherine (Burns) Salmi.
Leonard was raised in Aberdeen and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1951. Leonard loved the Grays Harbor area and was quite an entrepreneur in his younger years. Leonard managed several newspaper routes, as well catching fish early in the morning for his live bait business. He dug clams with his dad commercially and fished in the many rivers around the area.
Leonard attended the University of Washington and received dual bachelor’s of science degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in 1955. Leonard joined the ROTC while at the U of W and in 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In 1962, Leonard completed his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington while stationed at McCord AFB, Washington.
Leonard proudly served his country for 21 years as an Air Force pilot and as an engineer, overseeing the missile project at Vandenberg AFB, California. He retired in 1977 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Leonard returned to Aberdeen in 1977 and was appointed to the position commissioner of the Water Department by Mayor Fran White. After more than five years, he chose to return to the U of W and pursue training as a financial advisor. He was employed by Piper Jaffray Financial Investments in Aberdeen as a financial advisor for over 20 years.
On Dec. 10, 1997, Leonard married Patty Stein in South Bend, Washington. She survives him at the family home.
Leonard was a member of the Aberdeen Elks #593, the Poggie Club, the Aberdeen Eagles and the Masons.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his sons Gregory (Kathy) of Monroe, Washington and Glenn (Joan) of Edmonds, Washington; four grandchildren: Monica (Tim), Travis, Nicole (Mark) and Samantha and three great-grandchildren: Brandon, Ethan and Tyler. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Walior, his parents and his sister Marilyn Cherry.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial donation to Grays Harbor Fire District No. 2, PAWS of Grays Harbor or the Aberdeen Elks No. 593.
We are so grateful to our two special caregivers, Darla and Enny, caring for Leonard, in our home, over the past six year with kindness, dignity and the utmost respect for him. The wonderful care and direction provided by the nurses at Harbors Home Health and Hospice made his last few months of life comfortable and pain free.
Leonard was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying both fishing and hunting. We like to think he is out on the river right now.
A memorial gathering for Leonard will be Saturday, July 31, at the Aberdeen Elks Club No. 593. Luncheon to begin at 12 noon, followed by a celebration of life and a social gathering.
