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Leonard Tillman Obituary
A service will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Parish; 16300 Domain Lane, Eagle River, Alaska. Leonard will be laid to rest on Monday, October 15th at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. To attend the burial, meet at the JBER-Richardson gate at 12:45 p.m.
Leonard was born on in Cloquet, Minnesota. After completing high school, he served in the Army of the United States. He was a soldier in the 89th Infantry Division, serving in WWII from 1942-1946. Amongst many other events and battles, his division was involved in the liberation of Ohrdruf concentration camp.
He married his wife Barb Quinn (also from Cloquet) in 1947. They resided in Minnesota, then Colorado for several years, before moving to Eagle River, Alaska in 1967.
It is hard to name all of his hobbies & interests. He was always up for a new adventure. He hunted and fished for a time. He snow-machined, golfed, downhill and cross country skied. He was a racquet-ball champion. He was a runner, and completed many races in Alaska including the Crow Pass Crossing in 1986 when he was 62 years old. And, he and his wife were avid motorcyclists. They completed 21 trips from Alaska to the lower 48 on their motorcycles, making many friends on their travels. He also loved bowling with friends. He was an active member of the St. Andrews Parish in Eagle River, Alaska.
He was a welder by trade, and worked on Fort Richardson, until he retired in 1987. He then worked part time for several years as a bus driver attendant for Anchorage/Eagle River area schools.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Barb Tillman; sister Esther Johnson (husband Leland) of Carlton, MN; brother Alvin Tillman of Cloquet, MN; brother Henry Tillman (wife Norma) of Esko, MN; several nephews and nieces; and their Alaska family: Jim and Debbie Little, the Brent Little family and the Brittany Haley family.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Eagle River Funeral Home; www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Tillman
Kathy Wood-Hawkins
October 15, 2012
Barb, I see my name nor town was entered in my message to you about teaching Jean Mahoney & Myself how to ski. It is Kathy Wood-Hawkins, Wasilla, Ak.
Steve & Kathy Bouschor
October 15, 2012
Barb,
We were so very sorry to hear about Leonard. It's been quite a long time since we've seen you. Miss the bowling league we were on together. We had so much fun in those years. I just remember this one thing about Leonard - his story about dropping something off the bridge. You probably know what I'm talking about. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You married one heck of a guy and pray that you can hang onto lots of fond memories. Love you always. Hope our paths will cross one day soon.
October 14, 2012
Barb, I was saddened to read about Len in the newspaper. I am so sorry for you and hope that you know many people are thinking of you and wishing you well.
Each year when I've gone to the Women on Wheels Ride In, I have had people ask about you both.
I know Len's riding in that paradise in the sky.
Love, hugs and sympathy to you and yours for your loss.
Patti Bogan
HOG, WOW
October 14, 2012
I'm so sadden to hear of Leonard's passing Barb. I know it's been a long time since our paths have crossed' but have fondly thought of you both over the yrs. I remember well the two of you trying teach Jean Mahoney & Myself how to ski. We sure had some good times & a alot of laughter, even though I broke my ankle that one time. Just part of the adventure. I know in my heart Leonard & Jean are togeather watching over us. May we be in touch soon. I'm in the phone book. Would love to hear from you. May God be with you & give you strength thru this hard time.
Debbie Williams
October 13, 2012
My Dad and Mom were close friends with Barb and Leonard. He will be missed dearly and we hope and pray the family will be remembering the good times with all their family and friends for life.
October 12, 2012
Barb,
We feel very fortunate to have run in to you and Leonard when we went to Alaska on our first motorcycle trip. The time we spent on that inside passage boat ride became a life long friendship that we will treasure forever! We kept in touch after that all the time and we enjoyed staying with you and you with us. You were both so much fun and we really enjoyed riding with you and listening to your stories! It was great fun! We enjoyed you every time to came and stayed with us and remember Leonard would always say you had to leave soon (tomorrow) and we would always talk you into staying longer! Remember when we went to New Mexico on one bike trip and Lee did the wet t-shirt thing and we wouldn't until the third time and we finally did because we were so hot! 104 and new black pavement, wow was that ever hot! Lee enjoyed taking Leonard in the truck with him and our kids and grandkids thought you guys were fun too! Leonard was a very kind man with a big heart even though he tried not to act like it. Over the years you both have become like family and we will miss Leonard dearly. He was a great guy and humble and can never be replaced. We wished you had lived closer so we could see you every day but knew that wasn't posibble so we treasured the time we did have and have lots of photos to look at and remember the good times. I think Leonard liked to call us and let us know what the weather was in Alaska because it was colder here a lot of times, he could be a stinker! Barb, you are in our prayers and thoughts and I'm sure Leonard is in heaven saying "Come on! Let's Roll" like he always did on our bike trips! I bet they have good coffe up there too, not like the stuff we got in Colorado in the mountains. "The worst coffee he ever had" he'd say every time we stopped there! God Bless you and take care.
Love, Lee and Diana Sauer and Family in North Platte, Nebraska
Debora Dallas
October 12, 2012
Barb,
So sorry to read Leonard's no longer with us! The two of you are an inspiration to anyone you happened to meet along your many adventures supporting so many causes on your way. Leonard was truly a one of a kind gem. Treasure your memories and know you are both loved and admired very much! Hugs XOXOX Debbie Dallas
Mike Maloney
October 12, 2012
Barb,
I am so sorry to learn of Leonard's passing. You were wonderful neighbors to me and great friends. I always loved walking into St. Andrew's and seeing you two in the last pew. I still remember you "protecting" my red bicycle while I was in Juneau. You are in my prayers.
Brendon/Joanne Knox
October 12, 2012
I met Leonard and Barb in Chugiak at an ABATE meeting, later they attended meetings at Valley ABATE, both were avid motorcyclists and good friends. You'll be missed, Leonard.
October 11, 2012
I learned today, by his obituary, that we both served in the 89th Inf. Div in the ETO. I was assigned to B Battery, 341st F.A. Battalion when the division was in Camp Carson, Co. I wish we had known each other earlier. I visit Providence Hospital almost daily. I greatly regret that I will not be able to attend his funeral. I fly from Anchorage very early Sunday morning. Tried to phone you, but was informed that your phone number listed in the directory is not in service.
The Ven. Norman H.V. Elliott, Retired Episcopal priest
277-4804
A Providence Nurse
October 11, 2012
What a lovely man he was! he had a light in his eyes and a smile in his heart, even at the end. I had the pleasure of meeting him during his last days and was enriched by the experience. Love to his family and friends.
October 11, 2012
Leonard would often stop by on Saturday mornings to watch his special friends bowl at the bowling alley in Eagle River.
Everyone will miss you.
Fay Graham-Voice
Special Olympics bowling coach for Eagle River athletes
October 11, 2012
Leonard was the best coach I ever had. He and Barb taught us so many things. We met them at the North Slope Restaurant so many years ago and we spent countless hours swimming, running, skiing, playing raquet ball and socializing together. They are great people and great friends. You will never be forgotten. Michelle, Mary and Ann will always remember the great times we had together with you and Barb. Ann Blythe Harrigan
Steven Pedersen
October 11, 2012
Leonard you were a great friend and co worker at Laidlaw. Thank you for the motorcycle rides we went on and all you and Barb have done for the riders in Alaska. I will miss you greatly. <3
Henry Tillman,Jr
October 11, 2012
Uncle Leonard will greatly missed,I have not seen him or Barb in a few years and he never got to meet my wife Karla and my family
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