Leroy Hirschi Hirni 1913 ~ 2012

Leroy Hirschi Hirni, 98, of Anacortes, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2012, at San Juan Rehabilitation and Care Center.

He was born on a farm in Prairie City, Missouri on December 11, 1913 to Edward and Alma (Hirschi) Hirni.

On June 19, 1936 Leroy married Wayve Willena Bartz, whom he had known since he was 5 years old. They were married 64 years before she passed away in 2000.

Following graduation from high school, Leroy enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he spent the next 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer, and airplane mechanic.

While he was in the Navy, Leroy was stationed on the USS LANGLEY, which was involved in the search for Amelia Earhart when her plane disappeared.

He ultimately retired several times, and could fix anything he set his mind to. Leroy became an active member of the Anacortes Kiwanis in 1954 and spent many years at the Kiwanis Thrift Shop being their “fix it guru.”

Besides his family, Kiwanis, fishing and church, his next love was baseball. Leroy and his brother Troy, played baseball as youngsters in the cow pastures on their family farm. He became an avid fan of the Mariners.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 1 brother, and 3 sisters.

He is survived by his two sons, Larry Hirni and Terry Don Hirni and his daughter Phyllis Rabourn; grandsons Greg Rabourn, Ric Rabourn, Wesley Hirni, and granddaughter Trina Boring. Leroy’s great grandchildren are Cole, Evelyn, Kira, Skyler, Macy, Gavin, and Bree.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012 at Evans Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Grand View Cemetery, 411 Hillcrest Drive. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 9th Street Anacortes, WA with a reception to follow.

Donations can be made to the Anacortes Kiwanis Thrift Shop.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Leroy, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.