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Leonard Vann Obituary
Leonard (Len) Ervin Vann, age 85, passed away January 25, 2014 unexpectedly, after a long life in West Seattle, Washington.
Len was born 6 April 1928 to Ervin H. and Marjorie B. (Guptil) Vann in Seattle WA.
Both his parents and his younger brother Gerald R. Vann preceded him in death.
Len was a graduate of West Seattle High School. He served in the US Marine Corp for 2 years after WWII. Then attended Washington State University and graduated with a degree in Education. It was at College that he met and married his wife Naomi, 22 June 1951. He worked for the Seattle School District 31 years as an Educator and Administrator. Went on to obtain his Masters Degree at the Univ. of Washington. He also was co-owner & manager of " Vann Bros" family restaurant on California Ave. in West Seattle. He was a member of the Alki Masonic Lodge # 152 and a member of the Nile Shrine. He was active in the WSHS Monogram Alumni Club. He loved the outdoors and spent time fishing and at the 'Cabin' by Crystal Mt. Len was an avid sports enthusiast and worked till age 80 at the Seahawks Stadium/Quest Field. Leonard will be remembered for his remarkable memory and greatly missed by family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Naomi M. ( Hespen) Vann; daughter, Kathryn L (Brown- Baker) Murray of Des Moines, WA; son, Jeffery L. Vann of Seattle, WA; 7 Grandchildren ...Jason Vann &(Heather Barber), Seattle, WA; James (Jim & Andrea) Vann of Snohomish, WA., Jonathan Vann, Seattle, WA; Kevin & Shalyn Brown, Pocatello, Idaho; Stephanie (Brown) & Tyson Booth of Logan, UT; Ryan & Annie Brown, Hamden, Conn; Chantel Baker, Renton, WA: 10 Great Grand children - Joshua, Chase & Bennett Booth, Naomi & Kellan Brown, Jackson & Adelyn Vann, Sarai & Eden Brown, Isabella Vann. Niece, Barbara Vann, Seattle, WA; Sister in Law -
Andrea & Wm. Smith of Renton; and 2 Nephew's Brock Vann of Sacramento, Calif. and Lance Vann of Fed Way, WA. Cousins: Charlotte ( Rugg) Van De Brake of Mt Vernon, WA; Kenny Storey of Lake Tapps, WA; Keith Storey of Normandy Park, WA; Duane Wegner, of Fed. Way, WA.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to West Seattle High School Monogram Club P.O. Box 16031 Seattle WA. 98116 or to the charity or cause of your choice. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday Feb. 15th 2014 at Forest Lawn Cemetery Chapel, 6701 30th Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98126.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Vann
Sponsored by The Family.
Jim Marr
February 17, 2014
The Memorial Service was beautiful. Leonard was my next door neighbor on 55th in West Seattle for almost 12 years. He and Naomi were the best neighbors I can imagine. Leonard was such a selfless person. He took care of my house (and cat) for many years when I was traveling or skiing at CM. He taught me to be a better person by following his example. Such a wonderful family. Warm regards,
Jim Marr (Auburn, WA)
Ed and Caryl Bangsund
February 17, 2014
We will always remember Len as one of the nicest fellows we have known. Our friendship began years ago in the Monogram Club and also he kindly was helpful to us during his ushering at Sounder's games. The fond memories that he leaves to his family, friends and community are to be cherished.
Greg & Debbie Cain
February 15, 2014
Jeff, Debbie and I were very saddened to hear of your Dads passing. Debbie has fond memories of 'Mr. Vann' when he was the Vice Principal at Boren. We both will miss running into him in WS where he always greeted you with that great smile of his. He was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tanya Silva
February 11, 2014
Dear Naomi and family we are so sorry to hear about Len's passing,it is really sad.We met you few times when we bought your home and I felt like I know you guys all my life.it was so great to walk thru in ours(yours) home and hear from you all stories about your life.That was great.Thank you very much for everything and we will remember Leonard and your family forever,you are so special for us.Tanya Rick and Anthony Silva
claire conroy
February 11, 2014
Naomi, Jeff, Kathy and family, so sad to hear about Len's passing. he was a very special friend to my family; the alki dip n diver (square dance group) as well as the westside wheelers. we will all miss him forever. the west seattle alumni night will never be the same with out his smile and great chats. may my prayers and love go to your family forever Claire and david
February 6, 2014
Naomi, Jeff, Kathy and family, so sad to hear about Len's passing. He was a wonderful man and great neighbor who welcomed us into the neighborhood 28 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Watsons
Laura (Bailey) Grenda
February 6, 2014
"Aunt" Naomi, Kathy and Jeff. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories of the adventures the Vann and Bailey families had in Seattle, Vancouver and Kelowna. Hugs to you all
February 6, 2014
Naomi, Kathy and Jeff: I was so saddened to see the obituary in yesterday's paper! I always enjoyed it when I would "run into" Leonard in WS or at the all school reunion. Especially when I'd hear someone yell out "hey Grump!" I knew it was "Mr. Vann"! May your memories give you comfort. Patricia (Grump) Kloster
George Hilbish
February 5, 2014
The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper F1!
Brad Fletcher
February 5, 2014
Jeff, So sorry to hear of your loss.
Ralph and Tanya Kennicott
February 1, 2014
Jeff and all the Vann family. So sorry to hear of Leonard's passing. Truly a legion. We so loved giving him a hard time. We think of the Vanns and the restaurant often and with such good memories. Jeff we love you. Our thoughts are with you all. God bless. Rotten Ralph and Tanya
Joan Carfrae Minaglia
January 30, 2014
Kathy and Jeff- so sorry to hear about your Dad. You both and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
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