Leo A. Sax

Leo Sax passed away peacefully on May 18, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 1, 1932, at the family homestead in Peshastin, Washington, to Alfred J. and Agnes Sax. Leo began his education in Peshastin and graduated from Peshastin High School in 1951. He attended Seattle University for one year before transferring to Washington State College (now Washington State University), where he earned both his bachelor’s degree in horticulture and his master’s degree in agricultural economics. While at WSU, he was a member of the Catholic fraternity Phi Kappa Theta and later received the WSU Alumni Achievement Award in 1998. Following college, Leo moved to the Wenatchee Valley and began his career as a field representative in Entiat. He eventually became manager of the Washington Growers Clearing House, where he dedicated 39 years of leadership and service to the tree fruit industry. In 1961, Leo married the love of his life, Pat Ryan. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, raising their daughters, Kathy and Maureen, and their son, Terry. Leo was deeply committed to his community and his faith. He was a faithful and devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Downtown Rotary, where he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, and the Applarians. He served on the Board of Directors for WAEF (Washington Apple Education Foundation), was a founding member of the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, and served on the board for St. Joseph School. He was also named Apple Citizen of the Year in 1997. Above all else, Leo cherished his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, crabbing, swimming at the YMCA, and making treasured memories with family and friends at Camano Island. Leo is survived by his wife of more than 64 years, Pat, his brother, Deral Sax (Linda); and his sister, Barbara Clark. Also his children, Kathy Shae, Maureen Poirier (Mike), and son Terry Sax (Sharon). His grandchildren: Dakota Shae (Bridget), Carter Shae (Larissa), Abbie Estep (Kevin), Emilie Chavolla (Pablo), Libbie Moore (James), and McKenna Sax, who will marry Eduardo Hernandez this November. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Leyo, Simon, Florence, Henry, Edith, Emery, Elijah, and two more arriving in September. and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Alfred and Bill Sax; and his sisters, Elaine O’Connor and Grace Strom. A rosary will be recited on Friday, May 29th, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mass will follow at 11:00 AM, and a reception will follow in Kuykendall Hall. Interment will be on Monday, June 1st, at Wenatchee City Cemetery at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF), 2900 Euclid Ave, Wenatchee WA 98801. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Leo A. Sax

August 1, 1932 - May 18, 2026