Leo Valdimar Eiford

Leo Valdimar Eiford went to his eternal home on March 3, 2015.   He was born December 6, 1924 to Thelma Irene (Waldron) Eiford and Guy Leo Eiford in Blaine, WA.  He grew up in Bellingham where he attended school graduating from Bellingham High School in 1942.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during World War II.  After the war he was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant.  He met and married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Robinson on January 17, 1947.  He attended Western Washington State College (University) where he studied economics.  He graduated in 1949.  He went to work as a commercial contractor in the family business, Eiford Company, Inc. until his retirement. 

He and Barbara were blessed with seven children, six of whom survived.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Barbara;  infant son Gary Leo;  brother Raymond William Eiford;  sister Irene Elizabeth Heaton; and many extended relatives.  He is survived by his children: Sue (Steve) Burkhalter; Debbie (Gary) Little; Greg (Tami) Eiford; Shelli (Bill) Brown; Rob (Susanne) Eiford and Dan (Kathy) Eiford.  Second generation blessings were his grandchildren: Scott (Merika) Burkhalter; Heather (Brandon) Hunter; Jeff (Diane) Burkhalter; Greg (Regina) Eiford; Marly (Francis) Dreis; Andrea (Matt) Stull; Christopher (Amber) Brown; Crystal Eiford;  Gary (Michele) Little; Craig (Dee) Brown; Michelle (Darth) Rehder; Janet (Darren) Talley; Rob Eiford, Jr; and Jacob (Georgia) Eiford.  Third generation blessings:  Shai Taylor; Olivia Hunter; Ella Hunter, Kaia Little, Christiana Burkhalter; Evan Brown; Brayla Burkhalter; Dylan Burkhalter; Jada Talley; Aleena Burkhalter; Cailyn Brown; Jasmyn Burkhalter; Lily Rehder; Jackson Talley; Zoe Little; Elianna Rehder; Keenan Burkhalter; Calla Stull; Eva Bearden; Oliver Little; and Mira Stull.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church where he and Barbara were married.  While he had a successful career he would measure his greatest success in his family. 

Leo’s family is appreciative of the care he received from Bellingham at Orchard Memory Care.  Private family services will be held at Greenacres Cemetery on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at followed by a public reception at 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Windows on the Bay, 2625 South Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225.  Family suggests memorial to The Alzheimer’s Society of Washington 1303 Meador Ave Bellingham WA 98229; www.alzsociety.org; Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County 1385 Admiral Way Ferndale, WA 98248; www.hfhwhatcom.org; or Whatcom Hospice Foundation; www.hospicehelp.org.