Leland LeRoy "Lee" Bull

1923 - 2011

YAKIMA - Leland "Lee" LeRoy Bull ("Babe" to his parents and brothers), 87, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Lee (center in photo) was born in Ellensburg, Washington to John Alvadore and Margaret (Porter) Bull on July 15, 1923. Lee was the youngest of three brothers who were the grandsons of Walter Alvadore and Rebecca Nelson Bull, early settlers in the Kittitas valley. Lee's grandfather Walter arrived in Washington Territory in 1869, established a homestead and later was the first postmaster and probate judge for what was to become Kittitas County. Following the untimely death of his first wife, Jennie Olmstead, Walter married Rebecca Nelson Frisbee who had originally emigrated from Norway. Lee was always proud to carry on the family tradition of community service through his work as a pharmacist.

Lee received his degree in pharmacy at the University of Washington in 1950 and began his career in Ellensburg, where in 1952 he met and married Helene Hawthorn, a nurse, originally from Cle Elum. Together they began successful careers, moving shortly thereafter to Ketchikan, Alaska where they enjoyed the fishing and the outdoor life provided by that community. After several years, Lee and Helene returned to Washington, moving to the Yakima Valley to begin to raise a family and pursue their professional interests through the purchase of Gray Cross Drug Pharmacy. Helene resumed nursing at the Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital while Lee provided professional services at Gray Cross Pharmacy until his retirement. After retirement, Lee continued part time work for several years to assist other pharmacies in the area.

Lee enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and was being trained as a Naval aviation navigator as the war ended.

In addition to his work, Lee enjoyed time spent with family and time outdoors flying model radio controlled airplanes and helicopters.

Lee was preceded in death by his two brothers John (Jack) Bull Jr. (and wife Mary) and Walter Bull (and wife Florence).

Lee is survived by his loving wife Helene of 58 years, his son Mike (grandsons Chris and Matt) of Yakima and daughter Cheri Huerta (Tony) of Grand Rapids, Michigan (granddaughter Toni and grandson Luke) as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

Services will be limited to immediate family at a later date. Valley Hills Funeral Home of Yakima has been entrusted with the arrangements.