Leslie Creed died one year ago, on December 13th, 2009. She was born in Seattle, on November 16, 1941. She attended both public and private schools, including Forest Ridge, graduating from Garfield High School in 1959. In 1969, Leslie bought a cabin on Vashon Island, a fixer upper on Sunset Beach. Dubbed “Edge City”, this became the jumping off point and training ground for many Island tradesmen and women who practice their skills and art in our community today. A lover of music, dance, and performing arts she was an early participant in Vashon Allied Arts and played percussion with numerous island bands. Leslie attended The Evergreen State College, ultimately graduating from the University of Washington with two B.A.s, one in anthropology and one in performing arts. Part of her studies took her to Neah Bay, where Leslie was mentored by the Makah elder, Helen Peterson, who gifted Leslie with her oral traditions and Native American stories. Leslie’s work telling those stories in libraries, schools and at camps were always prefaced by her saying, “My teacher gave this story to me, and I bring this story to you”, honoring her teacher. She was a member of the Burton Community Church. At times of prayer, she would not bow her head, instead she would stand with head thrown back, arms outstretched, looking toward the heavens to embrace the love and light being received. She was also a member of the Jewish Havurat ee Shalom and attended the Vashon Soka Gakkai Buddhist meetings. She was a student of the Urantia book for many years. She believed “there are many paths to the top of the mountain.” Leslie was a colorful personality, not afraid to step out to do and say what she thought was right, regardless of the repercussions. Consequently, she was often a controversial figure, befitting the very best characters of Vashon’s myth and lore. She was an inspiration for many with her iconoclastic opinions and views. She was a proponent for peace, death with dignity, voters rights, and the availability of medical marijuana. A champion of the underdog, often taking in characters needing shelter, both human and animal, she always generously offered what little she had. She loved animals and had a big presence in Burton, with Lo Dog, her beloved Boston Terrier. Leslie was fearless in her last days as she faced her illness, finally succumbing four months after being diagnosed with lymphoma. She faced death with acceptance and resolve in her own home in Burton. She lived and died on her own terms and was at peace with her life. She is survived by her son Daniel Enoch Tobin, and her brother Allen Wyler.

Paid Obituary.