Leonard Bonsen

  Leonard Chris Bonsen, 87 years old, a longtime resident and businessman of Everett, passed away on Feb. 24, 2016, surrounded by his family.
  He was born on July 19, 1928, to Chris and Mary Bonsen in Lynden. He was the third of five boys. He attended Lynden schools and Western Washington College (University) in Bellingham, where he was inspired by a physics class to venture to Chicago to continue his education at DeForest Training School in 1951. This led to a career in television repair. He began his work in Bremerton, where he met Charlotte Sayler on a service call to her parents’ home. They were married in Yakima in 1953 and started a family.
  In 1957, Leonard accepted a job opportunity in Everett and in 1969 purchased Tingstads TV Service from his treasured friend, Ben Whitson.
  Leonard and Charlotte raised their boys in Everett until she passed away after an extended illness in 1978. Later, he met Ruby Holland. She remained his companion until his death.
  Leonard retired at age 77, but continued to work from home fixing TVs for friends and repairing antique radios.
  Leonard was affectionately called “Chief” by his family, “Babe” by his brothers and “Swede” by his customers and friends. He valued nothing more than gathering with family. He loved ice cream, Gonzaga basketball, rodeos and being the family historian, bringing his many photo albums to every family reunion, never tiring of answering questions and sharing stories.
  He is survived by his two sons, Steve (Annette) and Randy (Kathy); grandson Nickolas (Lane); brothers Bud (Millie), Bill (Marie) and Jerry (Kim); and numerous nieces and nephews.
  Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, and his brother Les.
  The family thanks the Everett Providence Regional Medical Center’s 7th and 8th floor nurses and aides for their gentle care of Leonard. We also extend a special thank-you to Dr. Alan Haakenstad for his expertise, support and kind encouragement throughout the past 3½ years.
  Celebration of life services will be at 1 p.m. on March 5, 2016, at Purdy & Walters with Cassidy, 1702 Pacific Ave., Everett, followed by a graveside service at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1615 SE Everett Mall Way, and a reception at Evergreen Cemetery, 4504 Broadway, Everett.