Leroy Leo Skjonsberg
September 26, 1932 - January 14, 2014
Obituary
LeRoy Leo Skjonsberg (September 26, 1932 – January 14, 2014)
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 24 at 2:00 pm at Bonney Watson Funeral Home in Seattle, WA. LeRoy, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 14th, while surrounded by his family.
LeRoy, originally from South Dakota, was born to Sam and Frances Skjonsberg on September 26, 1932. At 11 months old LeRoy was diagnosed with Polio and spent much of the next several years miles away from his family enduring endless treatments and multiple surgeries. Ultimately, in what would become something LeRoy was best known for, he survived and thrived. When he was not away at the hospital, he spent much of his time in his hometown of Britton, SD where he enjoyed being with his family. He adored his parents, sister and brother. He attended school in Britton, SD where he demonstrated and developed his exceptional skills in finance and math. This was also a time where he began his great love and passion for all things related to cars (something he inherited from his father and brother).
At a young age LeRoy made the bold decision to uproot his life and head west to Seattle, WA to pursue greater opportunities for his future. He was a very determined, focused and confident young man. It did not take LeRoy long to find employment as he was one of the most motivated and diligent workers around. Not long after moving to Seattle, LeRoy decided it was time to open his own car dealership and so he did. He successfully owned his own dealership, at times more than one, for over 55 years. LeRoy also loved motorcycles and for several years owned Renton Honda. Not surprisingly, LeRoy quickly found success with this new venture as well and was awarded the highest honor given to a Honda dealer in the United States, which led to him traveling to Honda Corp. in Japan to be recognized for his achievements.
LeRoy married the love of his life Borinka (Bonnie) Antovich, of Seattle, on December 31, 1973. Following their marriage they settled in West Seattle and had a daughter in 1975 and soon after had a son in 1978. Close in time to the birth of their son, they settled in Renton, WA where they purchased a new custom designed home built by their dear friend, a successful builder, who had also settled in Seattle from South Dakota. LeRoy loved taking road trips with his family, both near and far, and often made the trip in style with one of his old classic cars.
Throughout his life, LeRoy showed an extraordinary amount of determination and resilience. He had an unwavering desire to live his life to the fullest, regardless of the many challenges he faced. This quality, amongst others, is a defining and lasting legacy of who LeRoy was as a man.
In addition to his parents and in-laws, LeRoy was preceded in death by his sister Clara Thompson and her husband Clint, brother Leo Skjonsberg, nephew Floyd Bailey, godson Russell Tom and brother-in-laws: Danilo Antovich, Carl Lundin, Stan Hanauer, and Victor Kaloper.
LeRoy is survived by an unimaginable amount of family and friends, to include, but not limited to: his best friend and wife, Borinka “Bonnie,” daughter, Shawna (Petros) Skjonsberg-Fotopoulos, son, Ryan (Jeannie) Skjonsberg, son, Dan (Carla) Skjonsberg, grandchildren, Nikolas, Shanyn, Andee, and Shianne, great-grandchild Logan, as well as his brother Samie (Annetta) Skjonsberg and many nieces and nephews to include his brother Samie’s children: DaNeal Bailey (children: Matthew and Samantha) and Bardie (Debbie) Skjonsberg (child: Emily) and his sister Clara’s children: Cheri (Peter) Richardson (children: Jessica (Cody, Jaxon) and Ashley) and Carol (Kevin) Miller (children: Kaitlyn, Christopher, and Alexis), as well as numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Following the service, internment will be at Lake View Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, Seattle, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Seattle Children’s Hospital.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 23rd at Bonney-Watson Capitol Hill from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Expressing our deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Leroy was an exceptional man and we know you have many loving memories to help you in the future.
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to your family. It is never easy to lose a loved one – Just know that he is in a better place. A place with no pain or fear, just peace and love.
My deepest sympathy to your family. I admired Leroy and always enjoyed the family celebrations–we did have a lot of fun. Please take care of yourselves as you navigate this difficult loss. Pat
Shawna, I’m thinking about you and your family at this sad time. Your Dad is at peace now but I know you will all miss him a great deal. My sympathies. Take care.
My deepest condolences go out to your family. Ryan, he sounds like a great man. I wish I could have known him. You will all be in my prayers.