Leland I. Andersen

Leland I. Andersen died on March 13, 2009 in Bend, Oregon following a lengthy battle with heart disease.

Leland was born on May 28, 1923 in Ruskin, Nebraska. He graduated from High School in Hardy, Nebraska. Following the Depression he moved from his family farm in Nebraska to Eugene. He served with the U.S. Army as Staff Sergeant, stationed in Hawaii during World War II.

On June 25, 1949 he married Carmelita Young, to whom he was married for 59 years. He was a 40-year resident of Lane County, and a 20-year resident of Deschutes County. He worked as a driver salesman until his retirement. He spent his retirement hunting, riding, packing and helping his family. Summers he enjoyed driving a combine for his daughter and son-in-law's farming operation. Holiday seasons he enjoyed helping his other daughter and son-in-law in their Western wear store.

Survivors include: two daughters, Cindy Gray and Hugh Gray of Creswell, and Kathy West of Redmond; five grandchildren, Michele Smith (Rick), Tiffani Gray, Jeremy Thomason, Heather Andrus (Jeb), and Paisley West; and six great-grandchildren, Ashlee and Taylor Smith, Dillon and Jace West, Mattie and Cash Andrus.

Lee was a longtime member of the Teamsters Union, Oregon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Oregon Equestrian Trails, Mr. Longears Mule Club, and was a devoted member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sisters.

A memorial celebration will be held March 20 at 2 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sisters. The family has suggested, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Hospice House of Bend or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.