Leland Eugene Land

Leland Eugene Land was born on September 29, 1954, to Gladys and Knolic Land in Phoenix, Arizona, and married Rebena Ann Rust on Apr-18-1958. Leland was a second-generation Arizonan. He had 1 full brother, Larry Land, 2 half-sisters, Sandra and Jenny, and 2 half-brothers, Ralph and Chuck. Rebena proceeded Leland in death by 6 weeks and is survived by his daughter Kelli, son Wayne and 3 grandchildren Matthew, Severt, and Ruth, in addition to his sister Jenny and brother Chuck.

Leland worked for Mountain Bell, US West, and Quest Telephone Companies for 41 years as a special service technician. He was also in Arizona National Guard for 41 years serving in the 158th Field Artillery, (Bushmasters), and the 158th SNS Battalion. He held many distinct positions in the National Guard to include forward observer, chief mess steward, and most of his carrier as the communications chief for the 158 SNS Battalion. He retired as a Sergeant First Class. After retiring he also helped out his wife Rebena with the telephone book delivery as a loader.

Along with his job dedication, Leland was incredibly involved with youth and the community. He served in several positions in Pack 214 and as the Scout Master for Troop 214 for 40 years. He earned his Vigil in the Order of the Arrow, Scoutmaster key, Order of Merit, and Silver Beaver. He was privileged to have helped on their journey 8 Eagle Scouts who all have successful careers, in Law, Medicine, Engineering, Finances, and Operations masters.

He also participated with Kelli and Rebena’s organizations cooking and fundraising with Spaghetti dinners. Everyone who came for his dinners always came out with quart jars of sauce.

With his community, he participated in the South Mountain Festival of Arts as an Artist and a helping hand. He mastered photography and lost wax jewelry making. He made some wonderful pieces that many have been fortunate to have given as gifts. He also took photography classes through Phoenix College and lost wax jewelry through the community college extension for many years. During the state fair, he helped with the gem and mineral exhibits with security and curating during the fair.

His hobbies were extensive. He did woodworking, creating toys for his grandkids, such as rocking horses, a town for the boys with lumber yards, fire stations, barns, gas stations, and train stations with the many working parts that went with those buildings and vehicles. A dollhouse for his granddaughter. Many other creative ideas such as the rabbit with ears, nativity scene, Xmas trees, reindeer, and the flying witch. Many of these were gifted to friends and family. Lost wax jewelry was also a pastime he put a lot of creativity into making pieces for family and friends. He did some travel over the years with Mom and the national guard and used his camera to share his adventures.

He was also a big model builder and loved trains. His shop has several trains he built standing for his love of the history of trains. He also took part with the Mesa Grande Western Railroad in Vallermo, CA helping with the maintenance of the equipment and tracks of this fun small gauge steam engine train. He was also an avid collector of military communications equipment and took part in several military vehicle clubs Including Desert Warriors of Arizona.