Roger Lewis Leonhardi passed away at his home on Nov. 19, 2006, after a battle with cancer.

Roger was born in Albert Lea on Sept. 3, 1931, to Albert and Cora (Steele) Leonhardi. After graduating from Alden High School in 1949, he completed his degree at Mankato State Teachers College (now Minnesota State University) in 1952.

He became a Naval Aviation Cadet, receiving his commission and wings in June of 1954. He married Constance WyonnePrehn in June of 1954 and they traveled to his first duty station, NAS Whidbey Island. During his 22 years of Navy service as a Navy pilot, he flew the carrier-based A-3 Skywarrior and the RA-5C Vigilante aircraft in squadrons based in California, Texas, Florida, and Japan. He retired in May of 1974 at NAS Whidbey Island.

On June 1, 1974, he started his second career as the first Harbormaster of Oak Harbor&8217;s newly built marina, where he enjoyed working with the boaters, giving Labor Day concerts and helping to start the annual Race Week. He retired from the marina in September of 1991.

Roger started his third career as a woodcarver in 1991 and spent many happy hours in his shop turning out mallards, quail, owls, eagles, Canada geese, kingfishers, puffins, and many other wild fowl, which have found homes throughout the Northwest.

Roger, who was a Master Mason and Shriner, worked in his community in many ways, serving as chairman of the Whidbey Federal Credit Union, chairman of the Administrative Board of the United Methodist Church, instructor at the Coast Guard Auxiliary, president of the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, commodore of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club, president of the NAS Whidbey Rod and Gun Club, and on the board of directors for New Leaf.

He treasured the awards he received, which included Skagit Valley Citizen of the Year in 1981, Washington State Tourist Association in 1990, the President&8217;s Award from the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Oak Harbor Rotary Club in November of 2006. He was also a lifetime member of the Oak Harbor Navy League and the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters.

Roger is survived by his wife, Connie of Oak Harbor; his daughter Danette Leonhardi, son David Leonhardi and his wife Susan and two granddaughters, Lindsey and Tanis, all of Seattle; and his sister, Alberta Van Hal of Ellendale.

A graveside service at Maple Leaf Cemetery with Masonic Rites and military honors was held at 10 a.m. and a service celebrating Roger&8217;s life was held at the United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. In lieu of flowers, donations to a favorite charity may be made in Roger&8217;s name.