Leonard Lyle Knudsen, 65

Leonard Lyle Knudsen, 65, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at his home in Coram. Lyle was born on Aug. 1, 1943, in Oakland, Calif., to Lyle M. and Elizabeth (Lee) Knudsen. He was raised in Montana, where he graduated from high school.

He married Mary Lynn Hankins in Helena, in 1966. Leonard went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad, where he received specialized training in order to do his job. He retired from the railroad after 25 years, where he had worked up to the position of yardmaster.

Leonard's hobbies included cars, hunting and racing.

Leonard was a very strong person, who had lived with polio for 61 years.

Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Lyle M. Knudsen; mother, Elizabeth Lee Anderson; brother, Milton, and wife, Sandy Knudsen; and brother, Michael W. Anderson.

He is survived by his son, Darrin Knudsen, and his wife, Crystal; daughter, Kerry Walter, and husband, Trevor; son, David, and wife, Tiffany Knudsen; siblings, Betty Jean and Charles Notbohm, Virginia Brazill, William and wife, Stanlee Knudsen, Peggy and Ken Carmack, John Knudsen and Daniel Anderson; grandchildren, Joseph Knudsen, Garrett, Robert and Samuel Walter, Travis Heitmann and Sareece Heitmann.

A private family service will be held now, and a celebration of Leonard's life will be held for the public in the late spring or early summer.

You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave your condolences and sign Leonard's memorial book.