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Leonard Loflin

1928 - 2021

Leonard Loflin obituary, 1928-2021, Federal Way, WA

FUNERAL HOME

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave.

Tacoma, Washington

Leonard Loflin Obituary

Leonard Loflin
January 24, 1928 - June 26, 2021
Federal Way, Washington - Leonard Ernest Loflin, age 93, died June 26th 2021 surrounded by his family at Village Green in Federal Way.
He was born and raised on McKinley Hill to Irene and Harry Loflin. He attended Sheridan Elementary school, Gault Junior High (he learned to play the saxophone at age 7) where he was in the school orchestra, Lincoln High School and was on the boxing team.
He signed up for an apprenticeship during World War II as a ship fitter in Puget Sound Naval Yard. He served our country for 3 years in the Army Air Force as a medical technician in medical air evacuation, flying in C-47's. He continued his education at the College of Puget Sound for 3 years and onto Dental School at University of Washington. While going to dental school he lived in Union Bay Village, a veterans only housing unit, where he was mayor for 2 years and was President of Delta Sigma Dental. He practiced dentistry in Browns Point for 55 years, retiring at age 83!
He was a strong believer in lifelong learning, therefore on the weekends you would often find him attending continuing education courses, upgrading his practice and working in the laboratory at his office.
His many hobbies included water skiing, fishing, boating, camping on Maury Island, propagating Rhododendrons & Palm Trees , training and competing with his tumbling pigeons, building multiple garages & home restoration , restoring wooden boats & old cars, and most of all he loved pouring concrete.
After retirement, he continued playing the piano and accordion. He spent many years with Arthur Murray ballroom dancing, and competed internationally with his favorite dance instructor, Jacque in Oregon, Kaui, and Maui .He was an active member of St. Matthews and St.Patricks Church and served many years as an Usher. He was a past President and an active member of the Slavonian Hall. He was very involved at Village Green, a retirement Village in Federal Way, he served on the council as Vice President and President and he enjoyed all the activities there, including the talent show where he danced and played the accordion. This last year he enjoyed playing pool with his friend Jewel and playing cards and rummikub with his special friend Micki and visiting, at a social distance, all his friends at Village Green, especially his best friend Leo and long time friend Dave Hopkins. A big thank you to all the Staff and loving residents of Village Green which became an extended family to dad. The last few weeks an extra special thank you to their professional and kindhearted nursing and front desk staff and to Hospice who treated dad with respect and kept him comfortable.
He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Kornegay (Rob Pocrnich), Susan Tankieweiz (Tom), sons Harry Loflin (Janice Pepin), Steven Loflin(Leslie), John Keizer (Norine), his sister, Betty Welling, 15 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren with 1 great great grandson on the way.
He was a generous and caring man who loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest . The most important thing in his life was his family and we were so blessed to have him in our life.
It didn't matter if you were visiting Leonard or just meeting him for the first time you always left with a smile on your face. Leonard was hard working, compassionate towards everyone and deserved the success and rich life that he enjoyed. The Legacy Leonard leaves behind is to smile often, have fun, choose happiness, be kind, and extend grace to everyone.
In lieu of flowers you can make a donation in his name to Browns Point Scholarship Fund or Hospice.
There will be a viewing at Gaffney Funeral Home at 1:00 on July 15th followed by his entombment at Calvary Cloisters at 3:00. There will be a memorial service on July 16th outside of BPIC at 4:00 continuing on with a celebration of life inside from 5:00 to 8:00. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jul. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Paul Shilley

January 27, 2025

I am glad my dad had a friend like Leonard, to help keep him out of trouble. Dr. Loflin was very helpful, in more ways than he probably ever knew. A great American citizen!

Lorraine Wilson

July 16, 2021

Dr. Loflin was our dentist and friend for many years. He was the first dentist our daughter met when she was 3, and to this day that first relationship with a dentist like Dr. Loflin has helped her. We visited him many times at Village Green and looked forward to hearing "Hot Diggity Dog!" from him.

Love, Ken, Lorraine & Natalie Wilson

Terri Schneeweiss

July 14, 2021

My very sincere condolences to your family and those he left behind. I'll never forget meeting him 5 years ago at the dance studio: Leonard lived and laughed large, a truly memorable presence! Thank you for sharing him with us.

Sandy Tankiewicz

July 13, 2021

Leonard was full of life and enthusiasm. He brought that with him , into the room...you could feel it. I believe he wrung every last drop out of his life. I am sad I won't see him again this side of Heaven, but I have a feeling when I see him again he will have some good stories to tell! He always did. Hot dog!
To his family,
love , comfort ,peace and the happy sadness of memories

Barb Simeona

July 13, 2021

I'm so sorry for your loss. Leonard was such a wonderful man who was so full of life. I danced with him numerous time at the Arthur Murray Bellevue studio and he was such a joy! He always had a huge smile on his face and loved life to the fullest!

Mark Carr

July 11, 2021

Harry,Steve and Sandy....I have always thought that your father was a good and decent man...and so talented. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Rae Marie Schibsted

July 11, 2021

To all of us, who knew & loved Leonard I pray for comfort & peace during this time of great loss...I've known Leonard all my life &
for many years Leonard was my Father In Law. I'm grateful for all the laughter & love. He was always joking around, smiling & laughing & welcomed me into the family. Steve & I named our Son after him Jeffrey Leonard.
Leonard was thrilled & honored to have his Grandson named after him!
I will miss him. Leonard was an inspiration a great role model & a kind & genourous man. I'm grateful to have known him & will remember Leonard with a smile:)

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Memorial Events
for Leonard Loflin

Jul

15

Viewing

1:00 p.m.

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA

Jul

15

Entombment

3:00 p.m.

Calvary Cloisters

WA

Jul

16

Memorial service

4:00 p.m.

outside of BPIC

WA

Jul

16

Celebration of Life

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

inside of BPIC

of BPIC, WA

Funeral services provided by:

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405

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