Leonidas Annest

Obituary Leonidas Annest Leonidas Annest passed away peacefully Monday morning, September 10, 2007, after a long battle with lymphoma. Born June 21, 1920 in Burley, Idaho to Greek immigrants, Anest and Elena Pappas, he grew up working hard on the family farm. Leo studied premed at U of Utah and received his medical doctorate from the U of Louisville in 1944. He served in the Navy for one year in 1943 and was honorably discharged when the war ended. He served his internship and residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma. Leo had a family practice in Tacoma before entering a residency in General Surgery at the Mason Clinic of Seattle from 1953-57. He served as Chief Surgical Resident his final year. In 1958, he returned to Tacoma to begin his practice in General, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery. He was a founding member of the American Trauma Society. Among many career accomplishments include the start of the trauma centers at all Tacoma area hospitals, bringing laser surgery to the PNW in the 80's, and being an active member and mentor of multiple medical and surgical societies. In 1956, Leo met Patricia Reda, an X-Ray Technician at Mason Clinic. They fell in love and were married in 1958. She was his support for his family and career. He called her his angel. Leo loved surgery and was passionate about helping people with his incredible talent. He was ready to do surgery at any time of the day or night. He was also known as the neighborhood Doc whom anyone could call when they needed something. Never straying too far from his farm boy roots, Leo was equally famous for his garden. He took pride in keeping family, neighbors, and friends well-supplied with his tomatoes and beans, and all varieties of fruits and vegetables. For years, Dad and Mom cooked for the whole family every Sunday using his home grown veggies. Leo was a devout Catholic and member of St. Patrick's Parish. He attended mass regularly all over town, including St. Rita's and Bellarmine, and enjoyed many breakfasts after mass with his close friends. He was also a member of the Tacoma Elks Lodge since 1948. Leo played horseshoes, darts, and basketball in the backyard, and quarterbacked for both sides for family football games at Thanksgiving. He was a great pinochle player and pretty good at gin rummy. He could really tell a joke and spent much of his time making us laugh. Papa was adored by his grandchildren, who will miss being serenaded by his beautiful singing voice. We'll miss seeing him outside in his straw hat and in the audience at our recitals and games. We'll especially miss his big smooches on our foreheads and hearing him say, "I love you to pieces!" He is survived by his loving wife of over forty-nine years, Patricia, and his eight children; Norma Mage of Virginia, Lon Annest (Christina) of New York, Steve Annest (Carol) of Colorado, Amalia Christman (Gary), Demetra Schwieger (Tim) and Michelle Hunt (Adam) all of Tacoma, Dino Annest (Janna) of West Seattle and Stephanie Annest (Bob Rosenthal) of University Place. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, brothers James Annest (Resu Goldarez) of Heyburn, ID and Con Annest (Ella) of Burley, ID as well as many extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his father, mother and sister, Amalia Pollard. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 14, 2007 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A special thank you to Drs. Senecal, Fahmy, and Knodel, the staff at the Weatherly Inn and Franciscan Hospice Team of Tacoma for their exceptional care. Donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice, Operation Keep ‘Em Warm and Fed or the charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.