Leslie Bonsen

  Leslie Nickolus Bonsen, 92 years old, longtime resident of Selah, Washington, passed away on Feb. 17, 2016, in Yakima. He was born on May 23, 1923, to Chris and Mary Bonsen in Lynden. He was the oldest of five boys.
  He attended Lynden schools and was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in the South Pacific Theater as a tank commander, where he received numerous awards and medals. He then served in Japan in the occupational forces and was honorably discharged in 1946. After being discharged, he married Bonna Burke and had three sons. In 1966 he married Ann Hopkins with daughter Susan. This combined family began a 50-plus year adventure together.
  Les (Curly) worked for the Department of Army as the civilian maintenance supervisor of the motor pool at the Yakima Firing Center, retiring in August 1979. After retiring he was fond of saying he never had a day off after that. He was busy farming, raising horses and hay, developing “Curly’s Pond,” stocking it with fish for his children and grandchildren, then becoming the best fishing partner ever.
  Les was a longtime member of the Wenas Saddle Club, along with a number of other horse groups. He rode in playdays and announced at many of them. He was trail master for many “short” trail rides. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 379.
  He was a great mentor, teacher, leader, helper, friend and, above all, a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. We don’t think we ever met a person that didn’t have a good word to say about him.
  Les is survived by his wife Anna Jean (Ann) of 50 years; sons Lynn (Rosemary), Lanny (Nancy) and Loren (Tammie); daughter Su (Joe) Griffin; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and brothers Don (Millie), Leonard (Ruby), Bill (Marie) and Jerry (Kim). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
  Thank you, Les, for being such a hero to our family!
  There will be graveside services at 3 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2016, at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima.