Leo Soren Henrichsen

Leo passed away peacefully and gracefully this week after leaving a positive impact on this world surrounded by his wife, Phyllis A. Henrichsen of 60 years, and his children, in-laws, grandchildren, other family, and friends. He lived a long and fulfilling life filled with happiness, love and joy and will be remembered by thousands of family members, patients, friends, church members, neighbors, store clerks, doctors, nurses, and almost everyone he ever met.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he lived a life as a pure example of Christlike love and a stalwart example of service to others through his whole life. He was also a firm believer in Jesus and His Plan of Salvation. He was an example to many and lived the Gospel as best he could. This was shown by sharing his faith by word and deed. He modeled Christ’s life through his life and strove to demonstrate unconditional love.

Leo, an identical twin, and middle child of a large family demonstrated many positive traits that created his legacy. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa, and friend. He was quick to smile, slow to anger, share a funny story, lend a listening ear, or encircle someone in a hug. He was humble, gracious, kind, and patient. He made friends with any stranger that would let him. He was also willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it willingly and happily. He did acts of service to bring joy into the lives of those he met.

Leo loved the Spanish language which he learned as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina. He spoke it with anyone who listened to him. In retirement he set up Spanish conversation groups at the community college and local libraries and thoroughly enjoyed that community. Later in life he served the Hispanic community with free dental work with Medical Teams International and Global Dental Brigade UW Chapter Service in Panama.

Leo was also a devoted practitioner of the dental craft. He thoroughly loved promoting dental health and approached his chosen career with the same zeal and passion. He loved his patients, his staff and his colleagues and they loved him universally. He built a dental practice and two dental buildings that today are filled with thousands of patients and dozens of healthcare providers carrying on the professional passions he fanned the flames of. He served as a dental educator at the University of Washington, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, and Seattle Central Community College. He spent his retirement from clinical dental work as a dental hygiene educator, doing volunteer dentistry in the Seattle area and abroad.

Leo is survived by his wife, Phyllis. Children Lisa Bradley, Shawn (deceased-Deanne), David Edwin (deceased), Tammy Brown (Chris), Carol Tisdall (Scott), Scott, Todd (Theresa), Steven (deceased), David Seth (Eve), Suzanne Jeppson (Kirk), Megan, Kumari Marshall (Tyler) as well as dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, and many friends who he loved dearly. May we all live a little more like Leo Henrichsen - patient, long suffering, kind, gentle, compassionate, caring.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS meetinghouse Saturday, May 13th 1pm 7950 228th Street SW, Edmonds, WA 98026.

Donations in lieu of flowers to: Ensign Academy of Dentistry.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Henrichsen family.