Edwin Leroy Dempsey, 86, affectionately known as Leroy, was welcomed at Heaven's doors by his Lord and Savior on June 3rd, 2025, after a massive hemorrhagic stroke.

He was born in Big Cabin, Oklahoma to the late Ernest and Ollie (Sheets) Dempsey. He was second to the youngest out of eight children. His family ventured out to Skagit County when he was 1 year old.

Leroy proudly served in the U.S. Army for 8 years. Two of those years, he was stationed in Germany with the Baker Co. 510 Tank Battalion-7th Army, B-23 Tank Crew, and then he served 5 years in the Army Reserves.  In addition, he was a marksmanship instructor.

Upon returning home from Germany to Sedro Woolley, his heart became captivated by a beautiful waitress at Hal's Drive-In; who was home for her summer college break and who made the best chocolate milkshakes!

Leroy and Margaret were married for 60 treasured years, until her passing in 2022; but now, they are joyfully reunited again!

They were blessed with 2 children, Lisa and David, and with 3 cherished granddaughters.

Leroy had a storied career with a wide range of jobs. He worked at the Willis-Rodgers and Pearson Mill, he graduated from the McDonald's Barber College and became a barber, then he was a machinist and a test engineer, and finally, he pursued his civil and mechanical vocational training and a draftsman certificate. Afterwards, he worked at various companies including LTV Corporation, Nova Tech, and EDCO, and freelance contracts with Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, and for 32 years, with a few breaks in between, for Skagit Steel/Bendix Corporation.

He was highly proficient in AutoCAD and had a strong foundation in design, technical concepts, and analytical abilities.  He designed logging, marine, offshore drilling, aerospace, and construction equipment. One of his favorite jobs was designing the cutting heads for the tunneling equipment for the English Channel.

Leroy was a past member of the Burlington Lutheran Church where he previously taught 5th and 6th grade Sunday School and was the Sunday School Superintendent and Church Treasurer.  He was also honored to donate his time to the Big Brother's Mentor Program.

Leroy always carved out time to spend with his family.  Whether sitting by the campfire, playing cards, or watching the Seahawks or a western movie, all of the moments created precious memories.

He was a lifelong adventurer who enjoyed riding motorcycles, mountain climbing, hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.  Hidden Lake was his favorite place to explore and camping with the Colyn family at Colonial Creek and Conconully were always special times.

With his "Elvis-type" hair and his positive disposition, he reflected kindness, humbleness, resilience, resourcefulness, and generosity.  He had a strong work ethic to support his family.  He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and lived a wealth of life experiences.

Leroy's favorite saying was, "The good Lord has a plan!"  He truly believed in God's ultimate promise of hope, comfort, and salvation.

He is survived and so loved and missed by his daughter, Lisa Dempsey Bargewell (fiancé Dave Bennink); and son, David (Holly) Dempsey; grandchildren, Ariel (Andrew) Valley, Allyann Bargewell, and Kayser Dempsey; brother, Glen Dempsey; and brother-in-law, Dr. Ronald Allen; as well as honored family members, Lionel and Barbara Ghislandi; valued nieces and nephews, caring friends, and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his 4 sisters, Gladys Jackson, Mary McGuire, Lois Brevik, and June Becker; his brothers, George "Jack" Dempsey, and his infant brother, Clarence; along with his son-in-law, David Bargewell; and sister-in-law, Beverly Allen.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2pm on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at Grandview Cemetery in Anacortes, WA with a Reception following at Evans Funeral Chapel, located at 1105 32nd St, also in Anacortes.

Bookmark this direct link to Leroy's memorial site at Evans to check for updates: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/leroy-dempsey .