Leigh Roland Aslakson

Leigh Roland Aslakson, 81, of Billings, MT, passed away March 2, 2018. He was born March 7, 1936, at Sheyenne, ND, to Harold and Dagny (Gilderhus) Aslakson. He was raised on his parents' farm at Sheyenne and attended school there. He became interested in airplanes at a very early age and became an accomplished professional pilot.

He married Katherine Compton of Oberon, ND, on November 3, 1958, at Devils Lake, ND. This marriage was blessed with three children, Lisa Rae, Patricia Kay, and Erik Leigh.

He flew crop sprayers and taught flying before entering the US Army in 1960. While in the Army, he served as a Flight Simulator Specialist at Fort Lewis, WA, until being honorably discharged in 1962. After his military service, he operated Jamestown Flying Service in Jamestown, ND. In 1971, he became employed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an Operations Inspector until retiring in 1994.

Leigh enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing guitar, was an avid pool player, was interested in steam engines, and was an active auctioneer in the 1970s. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Elks, and the Quiet Birdmen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dagny Aslakson. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; daughters Lisa Fink (Scott), PK Madsen (Steve); his son, Erik Aslakson; grandchildren Jessica Fink and Jared Fink; sisters Lucile Torkelson (Glen) of Crookson, MN, and Diane Gaber (Simon) of Cary, NC; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.