Leonard E. Cowden

Leonard E. Cowden, age 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, October 1, 2021. Leonard and his twin brother Larry, were born in Bellingham, Washington August 12, 1932 the sons of George Thomas and Pearl Eva (Nims) Cowden. Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Mae Wellbrock on December 24, 1950 at Rome Chapel after the Christmas Eve Service. He spent his entire life in Whatcom County, and attended Mt. Baker High School in Deming.

Leonard built the family business Cowden Gravel and Ready Mix, established in 1945, with a hand shovel    and an old broken down County Surplus Gravel Truck. That business is now a 4 generation business with 150 employees. He led his family and his business by example. His Life was marked by honor, integrity, humility and love. He fixed his eyes on Jesus, not clinging to the things of this earth. He put worldly treasures aside to create his storehouse in Heaven.

Leonard was filled with a Joy and Love for the Lord that was felt immediately by anyone who knew him. He was devoted to his wife of 66 years, loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Stan, Kenny and Larry; his wife Dianne; his oldest daughter Cheri Ten Kley Johnson; sons-in-law Michael D. Ten Kley and Norman Barker. He is survived by daughters, Valarie Barker and Cathy (Ron) Groen; son, Steven (Karla) Cowden and son-in-law Spencer Johnson; grandchildren, Jeremy (Heather) Ten Kley, Kyle (Angela) Ten Kley, LaRenda Ten Kley, Zachary (Tammy) Barker, Jamin  (Kelsie) Barker, Karissa (Adam) Brown, Nicole Antle, Nicole Groen- Halaapiapi, Cameron (Jennie) Groen, Carston (Hannah) Groen, Deryk (Chelsey) Cowden, Ryan (Jessica) Cowden, Brent (Lynzi) Cowden, and Kylee (Darrell) Visser; thirty nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A graveside service will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, October 15, 2021 at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale. A celebration of his life will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday October 20, at Christ the King Community Church, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham, Washington 98226.