Leonard Anthoney Sund

Leonard Anthoney Sund, age 93, of Ferndale passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday October 16th, 2024. Leonard was born October 10th, 1931 in Custer, Washington to parents Seferin and Lenora (Berg) Sund. 

He met the love of his life, Beverly Fredrickson in high school, shortly after graduation from Ferndale High in 1949. On a dare, Leonard asked her on a date, and it must have worked out, the rest is a long, long history. 

They were married on October 4th, 1950 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ferndale. They enjoyed family and life together for nearly 66 years, sadly she passed away in 2016. Leonard & Beverly are now at peace & reunited in heaven.

Leonard spent his childhood on a small farm just outside the town of Ferndale, although his career took him in another direction, the farming bug never really left him. He spent much of his “spare” time cutting hay and raising cattle; he wasn’t one to shy away from hard work. If you asked why he farmed, it was because he liked to “watch the cows eat”.

Early in life he started out working at Berg Shipyard before being drafted into the US Army. He served from Nov. 5th, 1953 – Nov. 4th, 1955; after which he spent a few years logging, but for most of his life the journey ended up taking him into boat building. Returning to Berg Shipyard in Blaine, then Fairhaven Shipyard in Bellingham, and eventually in 1974 Leonard & Beverly along with partner Dick Nelson, began a new stage of life, starting Dakota Creek Industries in Blaine, and with success they expanded to Anacortes. After five years of all working together growing the new company, both Leonard & Beverly decided to retire and move back to Ferndale to the family farm where Leonard could collect tractors & farm. During his 44 years of retirement, he did just that; as well as being a Whatcom County Fire Commissioner, President of the board at Whatcom State Bank, Old Settlers Association Board Member, 2017 Grand Marshal of the Old Settlers Parade, Enterprise Cemetery Board member for many years, and a true patriot.

Leonard was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, being baptized, confirmed, married and now being honored with his end-of-life celebration.

Leonard is survived by his two children, son, Leonard Sund of Ferndale; daughter, Lorelei (Frank) Chambers of Ferndale; 5 Grandchildren, Rafer, Derek and Brett (Jessica) Chambers, Kenneth (Delina) Sund and Leigh Sund (Ethan Miller); 4 Great grandchildren Amelia, Elizabeth, Gavin, and Sophia.

 The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Home Instead (especially Tanya) & Whatcom Hospice for their loving care for our Dad & family.

We miss him dearly but take comfort in knowing he is at home with our Lord, patiently waiting for us. A private graveside service was held at Enterprise Cemetery, Ferndale. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 2nd, 11:00A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church, 7215 Valley View Road, Ferndale, WA 98248, with Pastor Becky Langholz officiating. Anyone wishing to donate in Leonard’s memory can do so to either Zion Lutheran Church or Whatcom Hospice.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

 “Concerning those who have fallen asleep, less you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus.”