Leif Howard Winnem
Leif Winnem
It is with a heavy heart that the Winnem family shares with you, the passing of Leif Howard Winnem, 55 of Lynnwood. Husband, father, son, brother and grandfather. He died August 16th, 2018 by his own hand after a long battle with depression.
Leif was born May 15th, 1963 in Seattle to Helen and Howard Winnem. He was the eldest of three brothers. He graduated from Woodway High School in 1981 and remained in the area his entire life. He loved the Pacific Northwest and all of its beauty.
Leif was the nicest guy you could know. He was compassionate, kind, giving, loving, honest, and loyal. To him, there were no strangers: only friends he hadn’t met yet. He could talk to anyone and would know their whole life story by the end. He would pull over and help anyone change a flat tire. Others came first, and he was always wiling to lend both hands. He was a good father to his children and step children.
Leif enjoyed music of all kinds, especially live music and attended many concerts. One of his favorite bands was AC/DC which he saw in concert six times. He loved to play name that song in the car, knowing all the answers without fail. He will be called to mind in the melodies that were his favorites.
A carpenter by trade, Leif worked for Dunn Lumber for 33 years. He was a man of immense talents. He could fix anything, build or remodel anything and accepted from himself nothing short of perfection. If you could describe it, he could build it; no plans were needed. He loved teaching and sharing his talents and never considered it work. Leif’s legacy is his family, work, and pride in everything he touched and created.
Leif is survived by his wife, Loria Winnem of Lynnwood, his mother and father, Helen Smith (Arnold Smith) of Everett, and Howard Winnem of Brinnon. His brothers Bryan Winnem and Chris Winnem both of Edmonds, one son Nick Winnem of Marysville, daughters Brittany Winnem of Lynnwood, Shawna Mulder of Snohomish, one grandson, Landon, and three sons by marriage, Robert, Frank and Joseph Koenig of Lynnwood. Plus many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 9th at 4:00 pm at The Nile Shrine Golf Center, 6601 244th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace. Please consider donating to mental health in Leif’s name.
Leif and his kind heart, giving nature and many talents will be greatly missed by many.
12 Responses to “Leif Howard Winnem”
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We are so very sorry for your loss. Leif was such a sweetheart and such a great guy. We enjoyed how he would explain things and his sincere enthusiasm for all that he did. Words cannot express the sadness we feel for you and family. My heart aches for you my dear friend. Hugs.
I have been so heartbroken after hearing of Leif’s passing. He was a very good friend in high school and several years after. I was there for his wedding, the birth of Nick and many many other occasions. Unfortunately, I lost contact with him when I left WA State. I wish I could have kept in contact and been able to do something to help him. He was such a kind guy and will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with his soul as well as his family and friends. RIP Leif.
Oh Loria, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear this news. Leif was such a sweet guy and just the right person for you. My heart is hurting for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending you hugs.
I’m so saddened to hear about Leif’s passing. I’m truly heartbroken over the news. To Brittany and Shawna, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Oh Leif, we will miss you! You helped us get into our house; the kids felt, as I did, that you were family. You were so helpful to Mom & Dad, to so many over the years; a loving, caring man. We truly have lost one of our own.
Love, hugs and prayers to Howard, Loria, Bryan, Chris, Nick, Brittney, Shawna,and the rest of the family.
We met Leif a number of years ago when he entered Loria’s life and we immediately felt as if we were going to be good friends for a very long time. He was always around to lend a helping hand and share his love for carpentry and cars. His love for family and dedication to love and protect those around him was second to none. His passing has left a void in all the hearts of those who were blessed to meet him. We are truly sorry for this tragic loss. Hugs to you, Loria and the rest of the family.
Bricca and Jess
Dear Leif. I was expecting to meet you next year again. My father was in Seattle together with your grandparents and parents when you were born. They were so proud. I want you to know that I feel so sorry for your illness. But somtime people can’t survive. Like you. Most of your nearest was together with me the day you died. I think you understood they were safe here in Norway. Love goes to Howard, Loria, Nic, Brittney, Bryan, Chris, Hellen, Shawna,Milly, Steve. Rest in peace
Loria, my heart aches for you. May you be flooded with warm memories and may Leif be rocking and rolling with ACDC and free from depression. I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Loria & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Leif’s passing. I hope that the wonderful memories of your many adventures together will help bring you comfort during this very difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family especially to his father Howard whom I worked with for several years at the Bank of California Building. Leif came to work with us as well as he was starting out in his carpentry career. He was a very hard worker and anxious to learn the trade. I am saddened to hear that he had struggles. He was a good man.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and especially to Howard whom I worked with for several years at the Bank of California. Leif also came to work with us as he was starting out in his carpentry career. He was a very hard worker and anxious to learn the trade. I am saddened to hear that he had struggles. He was a good man.
I am so saddened to hear of Leif’s passing. The Winnem family has always held a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.