Henry James Leathem passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Sept. 1, 2020, (on his beloved mother’s birthday), at the age of 64. Hank was born to Jim and Frances Leathem in Sacramento, California on Feb. 5, 1956. He was the oldest of four children. He was preceded in death by both his father and mother.

In the early years Hank attended Babcock Elementary, Valle Vista Junior High and Norte Del Rio High schools. He went to college at American River Community College where he learned to weld. Shortly thereafter he moved to Sutherlin, Oregon. Just about 18 years ago he moved to Copalis Crossing in Washington where he began working for the best and most fulfilling job in his life. He was a fabricator for the Little Hoquiam Shipyard, building the tanks that would fit in the ships being built. Whenever anyone would visit, Hank would give a tour of the shipyard. He was quite proud of the tanks he built and the company he worked for. Throughout his life, Hank loved dogs and has always had at least one as his buddy. He loved to name his dogs with “Old Lady” names like Agnes, Gertrude and Myrtle. Whenever he was in town, his wallet would come out and he would be passing out $20 bills to all the nieces and nephews. Hank would give big hugs to the girls saying “I love you sweetheart” before he would leave.

Hank is survived by his siblings, Greg (Georgina), Mike and Marie. He leaves behind his nephews and nieces Joshua (Michelle), Patricia (Eddy), Jacob (his Godson), Jimmy (Pearl) and Carissa; and Great-nephews and nieces Logan, Evan, Brianna, Elena, Ryan, Chloe, Mason, Kylie, James, Lucas and Myles Henry.

We will greatly miss his big laugh, calm demeanor and of course, the noises he would make when he ate. Please help us celebrate his life, treasure his memory and to say goodbye on Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 7101 Verner Ave., Citrus Heights, California 95621

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.