Leif H. Bjorseth

4/23/1919 – 3/5/2012

Leif was born on April 23, 1919 in Seattle. His parents were immigrants from Norway who came directly to the Seattle/Everett area. He is predeceased by his two sisters, Margaret Hale and Barbara Rice and his son-in-law Ted Boskovich. Leif served in the Civilian Conservation Corps for 12 months in 1938 as a landscaper, serving in North Bend and Port Angeles. After completing an apprenticeship as a shipfitter in the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, he was obligated to continue duty there at the outbreak of World War II. Later he served in the U. S. Navy, stationed in the South Pacific. He attended West Seattle High School and University of Washington.After the end of the war, Leif hitchhiked to New York, and then visited his relatives in Norway with whom he kept a strong connection for the rest of his life. He met his future wife Gerd at this time.The major part of Leif’s career was spent at the Seattle Water Department. Leif had a lifelong keen interest in art. He took wonderful photos, especially with his Graflex cameras.He was a member of Eastgate Community Club. As a member of Federated Eastside Club he was an original member of the Bellevue Community College Advisory Council, junior college committee chairman and chairman of the legislative committee. He was the founder and first president of Newport Way Library Association.Travel was a major focus for Leif. He especially liked long, lone car trips. He drove North to Inuvik, Canada, East to St. Johns, Newfoundland, and South as far as Nicaragua. He traveled as far South in Africa as one can go. China was a favored destination.Leif is survived by four children and three grandchildren: Ann Elizabeth Bjorseth of Toronto, Canada and her daughter Daniela; Rondi Boskovich of Tacoma; Roald Bjorseth (Laura Larkin) and sons Daniel and William of Seattle; and Dr.Franklin Bjorseth of Anacortes, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.A Memorial gathering will be held Saturday March 31st between 10:30AM and 2:30PM at South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way, Bellevue, WA. 98006 http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Parks/sbcc_location_map.pdf, 425-452-4240. Donations in Leif’s memory may be made to: Newport Way Library Association, 14250 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue, WA. 980065

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