On a sunny spring day after so many rainy ones, Henry Martin Maleng passed away at home with his wife and granddaughter by his side on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Born Oct. 9, 1937, Henry grew up on the family dairy farm in Acme, Washington. He graduated from Mount Baker High School in 1955 and spent two years studying at the University of Washington. On July 22, 1960, Henry married the love of his life, Vivian Louise Carson; they would have been married 58 years this coming July.
Henry served for over 16 years in the Washington Air National Guard’s 262nd Squadron, retiring as a master sergeant. Upon leaving “Guards,” he began the rest of his life’s work, driving trucks. Over the years he drove hay trucks, long-haul trucks to Alaska, and, the second love of his life, logging trucks. Also, he served as a Whatcom County Fire District 16 commissioner for 20 years as well as commissioner for the Saxon Cemetery. After retiring in 2007, he helped his son-in-law rebuild a barn and then, at the influence of his grandson Zach, he began collecting and restoring Case tractors, often displaying them at community events.
Henry will be dearly missed by all those who loved and knew him. He will be remembered for his endless work ethic and selfless love for his family and commitment to his community.
Henry was preceded in death by his grandson, Zach Bouchard; parents, Norman and Margaret Maleng; brother Norm “Kim” Maleng; and niece Karen Maleng.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vivian (Carson) Maleng; his four children: Melissa Maleng of Ft. Worth, Texas; Stephanie (Chuck) Bash of Bellingham, Chris (Mike) Bouchard of Custer and Hank (Terri) Maleng of Acme; also 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the Deming Logging Show grounds, 3295 Cedarville Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Zach Bouchard Memorial Fund (at any WECU branch), which sponsors an annual scholarship; the Whatcom Hospice Foundation (whatcomhospice.org); or to your favorite charity.
