Leo Francis O’Dore

Leo Francis O’Dore

Leo Francis O’Dore, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 19th 2022 just 11 days short of his 90th birthday. Although he was a longtime resident of the Bothell area, he had been receiving Physical Therapy at Sunrise View Convalescent Center in Everett, after a minor stroke. He passed a few days after coming down with pneumonia. He was the beloved husband of Katharine D. O’Dore.

Leo was born on January 30, 1932 in Butte, Montana, son of James Francis O’Dore and Kathryn Elizabeth (Morrow) O’Dore. He spent most of his younger years in Montana, then moved to Washington with his family, graduating from Bellarmine High School in Tacoma. He attended St. Thomas Seminary in Kenmore, and Gonzaga University in Spokane. He married Katharine Doris Beasley on November 2, 1957 in Yakima, Washington.

Besides his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his five children: Mary Katharine Sligh (David Henry) of Twin Falls, Idaho; Kimberly Ann Sanchez (Guillermo) of Horizon City, Texas; Timothy Leo (Catherine) of Vancouver, WA; John Francis (Candy) of Newcastle, WA; and Joseph James (Denise) of Lynnwood, WA. He is also survived by his siblings: Thomas (Janet) of Pennsylvania, Dolores Olzendam of Everett, WA, and George (Barbara) of Great Falls, Montana.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jeff (Tracie) Allen of Star, Idaho; Derek (Allison) Sligh of Camano Island, WA; Steven (Becky) Sanchez of Evans, Colorado; Analisa (Jc) Clark of Salt Lake City, Utah; Erik (Rachelle) Sanchez of Sterling, Colorado; Brandon (Brooke) O’Dore of Seattle, WA; Matthew (Christie) O’Dore of Vancouver, WA; Vincy (Matthew) Christian of Bellevue, WA; Victoria O’Dore of Shoreline, WA; Christopher O’Dore of San Francisco, CA; Taylor O’Dore of Lynnwood, WA; and Jacob O’Dore of Lynnwood, WA. He is also survived by 22 great grandchildren.

Leo came from a railroad family.  Both grandfathers, his father, and other relatives had careers working on the railroad.  Leo’s interests were focused on The Milwaukee Road, and model railroads in general. He enjoyed all aspects of that hobby and his grandchildren have fond memories of the layout he set up in his basement.

Leo lived a long, interesting life. He knew what life was like before television, sang in a barbershop quartet in high school, and he read the Sunday paper until his last weekend at home.  He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and hummingbirds.  He was always involved with raising funds for various charities.  He was happiest when he was helping others. Most notably he was treasurer of the local Safe Place for Newborns organization and was deeply involved with Coats for Kids. He volunteered at Crystal Springs Elementary for many years, reading to students and helping in many ways. He was known for being kind and polite and was a force for good until the end.

His children will tell you that he was an expert on everything.  You name any subject and you could have a stimulating conversation with him about it. Anyone could count on him for good advice when life got complicated.  And everyone appreciated his sense of humor, recalling some of his favorite sayings: “Go soak your head,” and “You make a better door, than a window.” We will all miss his sweet birthday greeting of “Hippo, Birdy, Two Ewes.”

Leo joined the Marines at a young age, was discharged honorably due to an accident that injured his ankle while driving a forklift as a teenager. He earned a living in many ways throughout his life, eventually settling on an electrician’s career. He was proud of his membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  After retirement he continued to work. He was hired by Northshore School District where he was a para educator. He also worked as a motel clerk at the Silver Cloud Inn, among others, as his father did before him after retiring from the railroad.

Leo was raised Catholic and the family attended church together for many years, mostly at St. Brendan’s in Bothell, WA, where he served in many ways. He was the President of CCD and taught classes. He was an usher, a lector, sang in the choir, and volunteered at many pancake breakfasts. Of all the organizations he belonged to he formed the strongest bonds at The Bothell Knights of Columbus, where he held the office of Grand Knight twice, and other offices at the state level.  He really appreciated his friends there, and the opportunity to serve others before self.

Another of Leo’s favorite sayings was, “I must have died and gone to heaven.” Well, this time he made it.

In his honor there will be a Memorial Mass at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Bothell, WA, on Thursday, February 3rd, at 11:00 am. (Please plan to arrive by 10:45 am.)

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to one of Leo’s favorite charities run by the Bothell Knights of Columbus – Coats for Kids, which provides hundreds of new and lightly used winter coats to kids in need every fall.

There are 2 ways to donate:
Donate online:
https://www.bothellknightsofcolumbus.com/donate
Or send a check to:
Bothell Knights of Columbus Council 6686
Financial Secretary
24323 Bothell Everett Highway
Bothell, WA 98021
On check note “Leo O’Dore for Coats for Kids”