Les E. Eathorne – 89 years young
Jan. 16, 1924 – to July 5, 2010
Les was born on January 16, 1924 in Bremerton to Katharine (Kitty) Klicker and William (Reddy) Eathorne. He died peacefully with family and friends by his side on July 5, 2010 at Harrison Medical Center.
Les grew up in Bremerton, graduating from Bremerton High School in 1942. He excelled in basketball and as an All State selectee, led the Bremerton Wildcats to a state championsip in 1941. He earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington where he played for one year before joining the United States Army. After serving his country, Les returned to the UW to fulfill his scholarship and education. He graduated from the UW in 1948.
Les started his teaching and coaching career at Camas, WA where he worked until returning to Bremerton to open the new East High School in 1956-57. He later receieved his MA from Central Washington university.
During his tenure at East High School, Les led the Knights to consecutive state championships in 1973 and 1974, placing second in 1972. He was named Athletic Director of the Nation in 1976, was a member of the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame, and was able to record over 500 wins in his career. Les also enjoyed his memberships in the Bremerton Athletic Round Table and the East High Dads Club.
In 2009, with much community and school board support, the gym at BHS was dedicated as the Les Eathorne Gymnasium.
Les’s legacy will forever be remembered by students, players, staff and community. He was a symbol of integrity, professionalism and devotion. You could always count on Les for his quick wit and a great story! Les always focused on the kids, wanting them to work hard, but have fun. He expected more, but rewarded for less. He had a positive influence on many lives and future successes.
Les is survived by his children from a previous marriage, John and Mark Eathorne, Lynn (Jack) Alexander, his wife of 31 years Pat (O’Brien/Lindberg) Larry (Janet), Marty (Jessie), Casey (Kara) Lindberg. His grandchildren Wendy (Shawn) Proffitt, Greg (Kiera) Pulliam, Keri (Jeremy) Talbott, Kevin Eathorne and Carly Eathorne. Mallory, Cameron, and Taylor Lindberg. There are also 7 great-grandchildren. Les is also survived by his longtime best friend and sister Virginia Costello, and 3 nephews.
Special thanks to Julie Eathorne, Bruce Enns, Art McCarty, Mike McKnight, Rick Walker and many others.
A celebration of life took place in the Les Eathorne Gymnasium at BHS on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 1 p.m. Memorials may still be made to the Les Eathorne Scholarship Fund C/O Sports Beyond, PO Box 1571 Silverdale, WA 98383. Make check out to Sports Beyond – Note: LES Fund
Checks to be made out to Sports Beyond or give online by clicking here.
All donations are tax deductible – Sports Beyond is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations will be used for the annual scholarships given to student-athletes from the Bremerton High basketball teams.
Inurnment is at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Link to the 2024 article “Les Eathorne and East High” written by Lane Dowell was published in the WSCA publication The Washington Coach– click here to view article.