Leroy Sande, Bull of the Woods
The Deming Log Show proudly recognizes Leroy Sande as our Bull of the Woods 2026 — a title reserved for those whose strength, service, and dedication have left a lasting mark on our logging community and the land we call home.
Leroy was born on September 3, 1942, in Bellingham, where his roots in Whatcom County first took hold. He graduated from high school in 1961 and immediately joined the United States Navy, ready to serve both country and community.
From 1961 to 1966, Leroy served aboard the USS Black (DD-666). His service was extended due to the Vietnam War, and those years at sea forged the steady, resilient character that would define the rest of his life. Discipline, loyalty, and quiet leadership became hallmarks of the man we honor today.
In 1966, Leroy married his wife Judy, beginning a 42-year partnership grounded in love, hard work, and adventure. Together they raised three children who grew up playing sports and spending countless hours camping, fishing, hunting, and exploring the outdoors. Leroy even built a camper onto the back of a two-ton truck, so the family could head out on the road and make memories together. Judy passed away in February of 2008, but the life and family they built remain one of Leroy’s greatest achievements. Leroy and Judy’s children: John and wife Janine, their children Rachel and husband Cody (Quin, Walker) Rebecca and husband matt, Sarah, and Anna. Jeff and wife Jacki, their children Jake and wife Brianna (Hollie, Lilah and Gabby) Jesse and Maddie, Jordin. Janine and husband Shannon, their children Derek and Kristi (Kalynn and Bode) Chelsee and husband Adam (Hays and Leighton)
During their early years, Leroy and Judy lived on a dairy farm on Ten Mile Road in Lynden. When the farm was sold in 1969, they moved to a chicken farm, where Leroy managed 50,000 chickens — a demanding responsibility that required tireless dedication.
After a year working at a local refinery, Leroy found his true calling in logging. In 1972, he went to work for the Washington Loggers under Howard Hammer. When the company sold to Cascade Road, Leroy stayed on — building logging roads, loading trucks, and doing whatever the job required. He later worked for 16 years for Barter & Marr, continuing road building, truck loading, and demolition. If there was hard ground to break or a job to tackle, Leroy was ready. Leroy had the opportunity to work with Trillium where he built a road on Tierra del Fuego, an Archipelago at the southern tip of South America known as the “End of the world” servingas the gateway to Antarctica. This was a true pioneering experience for Leroy as he was literally barged to the island. After unloading on the beach, he began building the first road ever constructed on the island. After this adventure Leroy’s next stop was Craig Alaska, working for Alaska Pacific building road on Prince of Whales Island. From one extreme to another, Leroy can honestly say he has worked from one end of the world to the other.
His contributions to the Log Show started long before this honor. In the mid-1970s, Leroy became instrumental in shaping the Deming Log Show grounds. He cut lumber from the old spar poles to make the seats in the bleachers. It’s a good possibility that the very seat you are sitting in was cut by Leroy.
For nearly 12 years, Leroy also brought joy to the youngest Log Show fans. The beloved Log Show Toys, Hand built to scale Bulldozer, Tower, Grader, Log Loader, Mini Excavator, Steam Donkeys and Train. Those handcrafted pieces gave kids a chance to step into the boots of a logger; many adults in attendance today remember playing on those toys in their youth. More than one adult had been seen playing on these toys in the evenings when nobody was around.
When Leroy was injured and unable to work in Alaska for a period of time, the Deming Log Show Association stood behind him, hosting a financial benefit to help him through that challenging season. Leroy would like to extend his heartfelt gratitude to the Association and the entire community for that support. It means more than words that can express and reflect the true spirit of the logging family.
Leroy was also an avid basketball player and dedicated coach. He coached his children and grandchildren’s teams and spent many years involved in Youth Baseball and basketball, including assistant coach for Mt Baker high school girls Basketball during the 80’s. teaching young athletes not just how to play, but how to work hard and support one another.
In the fall of 2009, Leroy found love again when he married Diane Anderson after meeting her in Stanwood. They lived in the Stanwood area until 2014, when together they embarked on a new adventure — moving to Montana to live an off-grid cabin lifestyle.
True to form, Leroy didn’t just move onto the land — he built it into something special. He constructed roads, developed ponds, and built the off-grid cabin that he and Diane called home. Life on the mountain reflected everything Leroy stood for: self-reliance, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. They lived that rugged mountain life until 2020, when they moved off the mountain to be closer to town.
The title “Bull of the Woods” represents more than strength — it symbolizes leadership, perseverance, generosity, and dedication to community. Leroy Sande embodies all of these qualities. From the deck of a Navy destroyer to the logging roads of Washington and the mountains of Montana, from coaching youth sports to building the very grounds of the Log Show, Leroy’s life has been one of service and substance.
His legacy stands tall — in the forests he worked, the roads he built, the children he mentored, the toys he crafted, and the community he helped strengthen.
Please join us in honoring Leroy Sande as our Bull of the Woods 2026 — a veteran, woodsman, builder, mentor, and a true cornerstone of the Deming logging tradition.
