Leonard Sidney "Len" LaHatt

June 26, 1936 - January 20, 2025

Leonard Sidney "Len" LaHatt

June 26, 1936 - January 20, 2025

Obituary

Len was born in Kendrick Idaho, the eldest of six siblings. His parents moved to Washington and after many moves they lived on Lummi Island and in Custer (Ferndale, Class of 1956). He joined the Navy at 17 and served three tours in Viet Nam. He was stationed in Hawaii and he served aboard the WM Wood, USS Sunnadin, the USS Cimarron; and the USS Munsee as a navigator. He married Robinn Rudd and had three children before leaving Hawaii and the Navy. Len moved back to Washington where he and Robinn divorced. He married Karen Kaaland and joined the Air Force Reserve (#262).

Len worked as a commercial fisherman (The Vantage Point), marine surveyor, and licensed Master Captain (Rosario Princes). He started a boat building company and built 13 Bristol Bay Boats (Bay City Marine). He made some beautiful pieces of furniture and he and Karen renovated their 1910 Craftsman home with vintage detail.

Len was a kind, loving husband and father, a skilled woodworker, and a great cook. His bar-be-ques were epic. He will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carroll Sidney LaHatt and Anna (Biddeson) LaHatt, and his siblings Doyle LaHatt and Rita Leanne Swanson.

He is survived by Karen, his wife of 47 years, his daughter Lorilee Maclin (Nathan); his sons Lyall LaHatt (Alberto) and Lindy LaHatt (Katherine); and step daughter, Taunna Elsner (Scott).  Grand children are Randy Elsner, Bryli Elsner Blankenship (Jake), Xaiden Maclin and Xeira LaHatt. There are two great grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Jim LaHatt (Nancy), Carroll Nilson (Bob, deceased), and Ann Marie Downing (Steve).

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 21st, 2025, at 2 pm, at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to Eden Health Hospice at 316 E.  McLeod Road, Bellingham 98226.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: March 21, 2025 (2:00 PM)
  • Venue: Greenacres Memorial Park And Event Center—Ferndale
  • Location: 5700 Northwest Drive Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (360) 384-3401

Eden Health Hospice

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