Leonard Luther McCormick

Leonard L. McCormick passed away January 15th, age 97, just one month short his 98 birthday, in Broomfield, Colorado. Len was born to Archibald and Gladys McCormick, in Madrid, Nebraska, on February 22, 1925. He married Frances Hurdle, on November 23, 1949. They celebrated their honeymoon by going to the Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When they left Nebraska, the weather was pleasantly balmy. They had only packed warm weather attire, no sweaters or coats. Their return weather to Nebraska was freezing cold and snowy. The newlyweds quickly learned that Colorado weather can be so fickle!

Len lived in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, since 1965, 58 years. Prior to that long residency, he had lived in Madrid, Lincoln, Kearney, and Bushnell, Nebraska; Cody, Wyoming; and Fort Collins, Colorado.

College at University of Nebraska was interrupted by Len’s service in World War II. He participated in the D-Day Landings at Normandy. He served with the 753rd Field Artillery Battalion in Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Belgium, receiving the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, and the French Legion of Honor Medal.

After Len’s military service, he returned to the University of Nebraska, earning a degree in accounting. This degree led to a career in banking, Madrid State Bank Teller; Nebraska Bank Examiner; Cody, Wyoming, Shoshone First National Bank Installment Loan Officer; Executive Vice President for a new bank in Ft. Collins, Colorado; and Marketing Officer for Colorado National Bank. Len’s last banking career led to his new career of international marketing for the Denver Conventions and Visitors Bureau. This career led to membership and participation in SKAL International, connecting Travel and Tourism Professionals Worldwide, and Len’s love of international travel. He gave many presentations worldwide in international trade shows promoting Colorado for conventions and leisure destinations.

Len filled his life with a love for singing. When he was very young, he participated in and won a singing competition. The prize was performing on a radio show in North Platte, Nebraska. He loved to lead and sing with many of the organizations to which he belonged. Len loved to play the piano for his family. He had an assortment of energetic memorized music that brought us all such joy.

Throughout his life, Len belonged and volunteered in service organizations. For example, in Cody, Wyoming, he belonged to the Rotary Club. In Denver, Len belonged and volunteered for the Mile High Denver Optimist Club as President and Secretary/Treasurer. Len was a 33rd Degree Mason, still belonging to the Cody, Wyoming, Shoshone Lodge #21. Len belonged to the Denver Scottish Rite Consistory. Len was also an El Jebel Shriner.

Len’s mantra was to stay as young at heart as he could. He had a great memory. He was outgoing, optimistic, and energetic. He was a definite “people person,” loved meeting many to share stories. He will be missed.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, and his wife, Frances M. McCormick.

He is survived by his daughters, Deborah (George Robert) Cooper and Diana (Robert) Stone; five grandchildren, Travis (Lindsey) Cooper, Matthew Cooper (William Reinhardt), Nicole (Kevin) Brewer, Brittany Stone, and Brandon Stone; and three great-grandchildren, Raimey Brewer, Maia Brewer, and Michael Cooper.