Leroy A. Vangsness

Leroy A. Vangsness, born & raised in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle passed away at 74 years old. Born March 11, 1950 and passing on February 8, 2025. Leroy was the son of Carl & Naomi Vangsness and brother to Sharon Moore and brother-in-law Jack Robert Moore. Leroy attended grade school, middle school & high school in Ballard. Leroy had special needs but anyone who met Leroy knew he was a warm, kind & good hearted guy. Leroy was a big man at 6’3” tall and strong, but he was known for his soft voice and touch.

Leroy was familiar with all the streets, businesses and parts of the Ballard neighborhood. He lived in the family home on NW 63rd street for over 50 years of his life, and then moved to Ballard Care & Rehab on NW 95th Street for the next 23 years until his passing. Leroy loved his family and always remembered the holiday traditions including family trips they took together.

Leroy loved classic rock music and could name many of the bands and in addition loved to watch many of the older tv programs. When it came time for holidays, Leroy would love to decorate, dress up and celebrate the holiday in full fashion. As one holiday passed, Leroy was already planning and decorating for the next, including Christmas, New Years, Valentines, St Patricks, 4th of July, Thanksgiving to name a few. Leroy also had great passion for his sports teams, #1 was the Seattle Mariners, then the Seahawks, Sonics, Cougars, Huskies & Sounders. He would always dress in team clothing & hats when the games were played.

Leroy had a lot of fun participating in outings at Ballard Care including trips to the Ballard Locks, Golden Gardens for picnics, going out to the movies, going out to eat with other residents, and also going out for their annual ride in the bus to view the Christmas lights across Seattle.

Leroy added another family member when Louie Sanft became his guardian in 2002, and for the last 23 years of Leroy’s life, Louie was there as his family, caregiver, taking Leroy out for haircuts, shopping, eating at restaurants around the city & taking him to his Dr appointments. Leroy would try to collect a business card from every restaurant so he could show people where he had been. Leroy was very appreciative for having Louie in his life and Louie advocated for Leroy to make sure he was getting the best care and had all of the amenities to live comfortably. Leroy also had another great caregiver in the last year named Kathy Brister. Leroy perked up as Kathy helped out when Louie was unable to be there. Louie & Kathy cared for Leroy in his last few months together.

Leroy passed away as comfortable as possible at Northwest Hospital in Seattle. Leroy would like to thank all of his care givers at Ballard Care & Rehab who he spent 23 years of his life living & benefitting from their hard work. From administration, social, front desk, activities, doctors, nursing, housecleaning, to the cooks, drivers & handy man, Leroy appreciated all of them. Everyone around Leroy was like a big family and he loved you all.

We will all miss you Leroy!