Leonard "Whimpy" Albie Girard

Leonard (Whimpy) Girard was born May 3, 1931 in Burbank South Dakota, to Alphosine and Adelore Girard. He joined 8 siblings. He lived in South Dakota until 1978 when he moved to Oregon. He had various jobs which included a rural milk and dairy route for Austin Dairy, managed the Vermillion Eagles Club, owed a business “Whimpy’s Place” in Beautiful Downtown Burbank. After moving to Oregon he was employed by Willamette Industries. He lived in Beaverton Oregon, Woodburn Oregon and at the time of his death, Hearthstone of Murray Hill Assistant Living in Beaverton.

He married Rita Rhoten October 16, 1951. They had 6 children, Doug, Steve, Stan, Mark, Brian and Teresa. They lived in Vermillion until the family moved to Oregon where he lived until his death. Whimpy and Rita did spend many Winters in Yuma Arizona once both retired.

He died March 8 with Rita and many family members present and having had the chance to say goodbye! Survivors include his wife and children Steve (Barb) of Aloha Oregon, Stan (Nancy) of Columbia City Oregon, Mark (Laurie) of Union Oregon, Brian of Beaverton Oregon, Teresa of Pahoa Hawaii, 11 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Betty Schmidt and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Doug, his parents, 3 sisters Evelyn Chartier, Dorothy Richardson, Rose Kunkel, five brothers, Robert, Francis, Leroy, Leo, Joe and a granddaughter Nicole.

He was very proud of his 70+ years in the Vermillion Eagles Lodge. He was also a long time member of several Catholic Churches, VFW, and Elks. He served in the Marine Corps for 2 years. Whimpy was loved by many who had the opportunity to know him and will be missed dearly. It will be difficult to imagine life without the many stories and his large presence in our lives.