Leon Israel of Seattle and Whidbey Island passed away on Feb. 20, 2011.

Son of Morris and Gentil Israel of Rhodes and Istanbul, Leon was born and raised in the Seattle central area within the Sephardic community.

He graduated Garfield/Broadway High School and joined the Army in 1944 during World War II.

As a soldier in the famed 86th Blackhawk Division, Leon marched through Europe, and after VE Day was deployed to the war in the Pacific, serving in the Philippines.

He often said, “If it wasn’t for World War II, I never would have left Seattle, King County.” A proud and humble American vet, Leon was an active member of the American Legion for more than 50 years.

Following in the trade of his father and many uncles, Leon operated his own shoe- repair businesses, Magnolia Shoe Repair and Leon’s on Whidbey, for 50 years. He was renowned citywide as a master craftsman and appreciated for his robust personality and sense of humor.

Leon’s passion in life was fishing. He was most happy on the water with a rod and reel in his hand and a fish on the line. His love of Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest led him to Whidbey Island, where he lived simply and joyfully for most of his 85 years.

He was a fan of big-band music, and his favorite was “I Did It My Way,” and in fact, he lived his life accordingly.

Leon’s children, Morry Israel, Gail Israel-Weinstein and Marty Weinstein, Lori Israel and Bill Lennon wish to thank the medical professionals at Virginia Mason Hospital, the VA Hospital, Whidbey General and the wonderful Whidbey EMT providers, and Leon’s many friends throughout the area who supported him through his later life with dignity, honor and always that special sense of humor.

Memorial donations may be made to local animal shelters.