Leonard 'Bud' Elroy Coulston, 87

Leonard “Bud” Elroy Coulston, 87, returned to his Heavenly Father on June 20, 2009, after an 18 month battle with lung cancer. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Leonard was born Aug. 7, 1921, to Charles and Clarissia Coulston in Sandpoint, Idaho where he spent most of his youth until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II.

When he returned home he had many different jobs over the years, almost all involving truck driving.

On one trip to Spokane was introduced to his eternal companion, Icye Lee Abbott.

They were married September 7, 1951.

The couple had three 3 children Pam Hill, Wayne Coulston, Marie Cunn-ingham. He settled his family in Newport in 1968 after accepting a position with the Wash-ington State Department of Transportation Highway Department where he retired in 1984.

He loved his 20 acre farm and labored diligently raising animals and gardening, but was never too busy to help his family in all there endeavors. He taught them much about being self reliant.

He will be greatly missed by all that knew him and his charming wit.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; four brothers; four sisters and one granddaughter Jenny.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Icye of Newport; his daughter, Pam Hill, and husband, Ray, of Cheney, Wash.; his son, Wayne Coulston, and wife, Elouise, of Moses Lake, Wash.; his daughter, Marie Cunningham, and husband, Bob, of Hayden, Idaho; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport, Wash.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Leonard’s name to Hospice of Spokane. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home and Crematory in Newport is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends are welcome to sign the online guestbook at www.sherman-knapp.com