Leonard Kolodychuk Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Leonard Kolodychuk
Start: 2025-11-16T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Bellingham Golf and Country Club

Leonard Kolodychuk

October 26, 2025

Bellingham, Washington - Leonard Kolodychuk, died peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his Bellingham home with loved ones by his side. Len was born on October 24, 1959, and lived in British Columbia and Alberta during his childhood and teenage years. As a youth, he had a love for and excelled in many sports including hockey, football, and downhill skiing. Pursuing a career in medicine, he attended the University of Alberta, completed a Family Medicine residency in Akron, Ohio, before training to be an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Saskatchewan.

Len was a practicing orthopedic surgeon for over 35 years and had an active interest in trying to improve the quality of life and function of others. He touched the lives of many in the community through his work. Len embodied the idea of being a life-long learner, consistently trying to stay up to date with the latest research to be able to provide his patients the best care.

Len was an avid golfer and sports fan, sharing many memories with family and friends alike with golf trips and outings to Vancouver Canucks games. Len loved the outdoors – camping, fishing, and pheasant hunting; travel; and later in life took a growing interest in cooking and food. He was the king of the barbecue. He attended many rock concerts throughout his life, numbering them at over 100.

Len is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his four children, Nicholas (Kirstin), David (Claire), Peter, and Stephen; parents (Anne and Bernie); brothers Brent (Sharon), and Barry (Collette); brothers- and sisters-in-law from Grace; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 16th at 2 p.m., at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club, 3729 Meridian Street, Bellingham Washington. The family invites all who knew him and the family to attend and share their favorite memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to your local Arthritis Foundation or Food Bank, or to the Lighthouse Mission Ministries, P.O. Box 548, Bellingham, Washington 98227.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Oct. 31 to Nov. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Kolodychuk

12 Entries

Leonard Kolodychuk

Planted Trees

Isaac and Emily

November 15, 2025

Grace and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Len's passing.
Our thoughts are with you and family during this difficult time. May the peace of Jesus bring solace, and God's love and comfort surround you during this difficult time.
We were blessed and are grateful to have had the excellent medical care by Dr. Kolodychuk, with exceptional kindness, skill and care.
Len was a kind soul and made a difference for many, and those memories will live for ever. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Greg Vrabec

November 15, 2025

Dear Grace and family,
In Loving Memory of Len
It´s hard to put into words what it means to lose someone you have known for so long. All the way back to medical school.
While the distance made our connections fewer through the years, we always enjoyed the chance to reminisce, have a laugh and a beer.
I´ll never forget that Cheshire grin of yours, the one that always hinted at mischief or a joke just waiting to land. And your laugh-more of a chuckle, really-displaying your constant happiness. We shared the ice and the fairway, chasing pucks and birdies with equal passion and equal trash talk.
You pursued your path to Orthopedic surgery that gave you the career that fulfilled you and enabled you to impact the lives of thousands of patients with your skills, empathy and true caring.!
You left this world far too soon, but you left it better than you found it. And you left me better for having known you.
Rest easy, my friend. I´ll see you on the next tee box.
Greg Vrabec

Melissa Lukeris

November 14, 2025

I was helped as a client by Dr. Kolodychuk. I wanted to send my condolences and share gratitude for his kindness, care and wish you all- his loved ones-my best.

Warren Taranow

November 11, 2025

I´d known Len for twenty years, first as a competing orthopedist and soon after as a partner. At work, he was intense and focused, a great colleague who was always willing to help with call or cases. We were work friends but didn´t socialize much outside the clinic and hospital. Over the past year, though, we made a point of meeting for breakfast or lunch several times a month, and after years of working together, we became true friends.
Len faced his illness with remarkable bravery and grace. His mantra at work was his mantra in life: "It is what it is." It´s a simple version of Stoic philosophy: don´t worry about what you can´t control, but deal with what you can. He approached his illness with that same spirit, trying new things (like crashing a mountain bike), and doing what he loved most: spending time with his family, golfing, traveling, and reconnecting with friends.
I learned a lot from those mornings and afternoons with Len this past year. At first, I couldn´t understand how he stayed so positive, how he found joy despite the uncertainty, the pain, and the exhaustion from chemo and travel for treatment. I think I would have been bitter, but Len stayed upbeat and grateful. Because of him, I feel better prepared to face my own eventual challenges with a little more courage and perspective.
He loved his family and was so proud of his kids. I loved how his face lit up whenever I asked about them.
I´ll miss you, Len. I wish we had more breakfasts ahead. I´m sorry you were taken from your family too soon and didn´t get the long retirement you deserved. But I´m thankful to have known you, grateful to have been your friend, and comforted knowing you met this past year with grace, joy, and love. Rest well, my friend.

Chuck Papageorge

November 10, 2025

Len, you were a GREAT and TRUE friend. I always enjoyed our time together, whether it was opponents on the ice or teammates, to the golf course and to Canucks games. To the epic trips to and from Penticton to Gilbert. A great time was had by all. I will miss our chats and fun ribbing You were a TRUE friend Chuck

Joe C

November 6, 2025

Dr. Kolodychuk was both one of my children's and my doctor. He did my ankle surgery in 2017, and took that hardware out in 2018. I can still remember seeing bruises on my shin the shape of his big hands and fingers. He was the most likable doctor I ever had. I even brought him a six pack of beer to an appointment one time. I figured him being Canadian he loved beer.

Pattie Washburn

November 5, 2025

Dear Grace and Family
I am so sorry that Len lost his courageous battle and pray that he is pain free and enjoying golfing in hearven!
I had worked with him for many years at Madrona and then PHMG. Always enjoyed our conversation when we ran into each other at the BGCC & my husband did some golfing with him as well.
Praying for you and your family through this very difficult time.
Take care, Pattie Washburn

Loch Trimingham

November 2, 2025

Grace and family,
Len was a kind man who was respected, trusted and admired both as a colleague and friend. He was an excellent surgeon, and always willing to help. A cheerful disposition, and courageous in his most recent struggle.
My sympathies to the family. He is already missed.
Loch Trimingham

Alan Chang

November 2, 2025

Grace and family,
So sorry to hear about Len's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

craig

November 1, 2025

Dear Grace and family,
I have practiced in Bellingham for 35 years. It was nice to have someone as talented and sincere at Len who I could refer my patients to. He was a wonderful person.
Take care,
Craig Moore, MD

Julie Acus

November 1, 2025

We are so grateful that we got to know Len and his wonderful family during the week we spent together celebrating the marriage of Nick and Kirstin in November 2024. Len was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by many including the Acus family.

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