Obituary: Leen, Msgt. Donald R.
Age 79
Donald R. Of Sagle, Idaho passed away suddenly from a heart attack on August 21st at age 79 years and seven months.
He was born on January 31st, 1936 in Roseau, Minnesota to Arthur and Agnes Leen.
Don lived in Idaho most of his life, he grew up in Sandpoint, lived in Coeur d’ Alene for 28 years, then moved to Boise, for five years.
He retired and moved to Sagle, ID where he lived on the shores of Lake Pend’ Oreille and spent winters in Yuma, AZ.
He was the middle child, he had four older siblings and four younger siblings.
He loved and enjoyed each one of his brothers and sisters.
You could always count on Don to be there for you.
If any one of his family needed him he would be there.
He would help in any way and did not feel the need to judge.
He treated people with respect and valued each person he came into contact with.
He married Anna Fox on September 21, 1957 and they were just one month shy of celebrating 58 years.
They worked hard and bought a home in Coeur d’ Alene, ID where they raised three children.
There was a lot of passion in their relationship fighting, forgiving, and loving.
They were a good match, they provided balance for each other.
Ann made a home for Don where he was safe, secure and loved.
Don gave her a home in his heart where she was safe and secure.
He loved her unconditionally, something everyone needs but not everyone finds.
They were blessed to have found each other.
One of his earliest honors was winning the 1950 Marble Championship.
Don ran 24 Bloomsday Races with his final race in May 2015.
Don went to North Idaho college on the GI bill and graduated with an associates degree in sociology.
He was a member of the PGA, NRA, Elks Club, the American Legion, and had dual membership in the Eagles of Coeur d’Alene and Hayden Lake.
He was a charter member of the the Hayden Lake Eagles.
Don served his country for over 35 years.
He began his service in 1955 shortly after graduation from Sandpoint High School.
He joined the Army and served with the 1st Airborne battle group, 325th infantry 82nd Airborne division as a paratrooper, stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
He was then called into service for the Department of Army and spent the next 33 years working.
He retired as a Master Sergeant and upon retirement his commanding officer had these words, “…Loyalty, commitment to service and soldiers, his “can do” attitude sets an example for all to emulate.”
He was young at heart, he didn’t let age change him or slow him down.
He played golf and earned the nickname “Sweet Swinging Don Leen”.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and cheering for sports teams.
He was all about friendship, he enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and would call just to “check in”.
He loved his family and friends.
He played his final game of golf on Wednesday, August 19th.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Agnes Leen, his brothers Arthur, Glen, and Roy.
He is survived by his wife Anna of Sagle, his three sisters, Ina Loman, Vonnie Short (Terry), Ruth Hirst, (Richard), his two brothers Kenny Leen (Moreen) and Lyle Leen.
Also, his three children Wes Leen of Sagle, Karen Piubeni of Spokane, and Pam Roope (Dan) of Wrangell, Alaska; his grandchildren Karen “KD” Roope-Strasburger (Wess) of Juneau, AK, Kevin Roope of Wrangell, AK, Jackie Leen of Boise, ID and Cassie Leen of Penbroke Pines, Florida and Alexandra Job of Spokane.
Also four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Sunday, August 30st at the Eagles Lodge in Hayden Lake, ID.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Don Leen Memorial Fund at the US Bank in Sandpoint, ID.
The funds will be used for local youth desiring to learn the game of golf.