Leonard James Lane

Leonard was born in Tucson, Arizona and was the youngest of six children of Audrey (Cutshaw) and Edward Lane. His family included Wesley Lane, William Lane, Kay Francis Black, Carol Ann Harington (all deceased), and Larry Lane and his wife Susan from Huachuca City, Arizona; also numerous nieces and nephews. He often expressed how blessed he was by his family and their encouragement and inspiration. His love of the beauty of the desert and nature came directly from them.

Leonard graduated from Catalina High School and continued on to the University of Arizona for a B.S. in Engineering Math and an M.S. in Systems and Industrial Engineering. His Ph.D. was in Civil Engineering - Hydrology & Water Resources from Colorado State University.

While a freshman at the University, Leonard married his eternal companion, Rosemary, or Rosie, in 1964. Their fifty-nine-year union was blessed by two sons, Brian James Lane, and Leonard Brett Lane, who both shared many of his happiest times camping, fishing, and hunting.They were doubly blessed by Brian and Jessica’s children, Granddaughter Abigail, and Grandsons, Matthew and Ethan.

Leonard loved his career in hydrologic research. The majority of his forty-six-year career was with Southwest Watershed Research Center, Agriculture Research Service, USDA. Here, he developed lifelong friendships with people there and around the world. His honors and awards reflected his dedication to his career. In 1982, he was awarded the Arthur S. Flemming Award as one of five outstanding scientists in federal service (past recipients included Neil Armstrong and Harrison Schmitt). Similar honors continued, and in 2000 he was named American Society of Hugh Hammond Bennett Award by the Soil Conservation Service. During his career, Leonard authored over 200 papers and books, and mentored two dozen M.S. and Ph.D. students.

The last ten years of his career were spent traveling the country for his consulting firm, L.J. Lane Consulting.

Retirement proved even more exciting. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Leonard spent 2.5 years as a service missionary and was able to mentor workers at Deseret Industry and make more friends from around the world. Work in the church brought new meaning and joy into his life.

A visitation for Leonard will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Tucson North Stake Center), 939 W Chapala Dr, Tucson, AZ 85704. A funeral service will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church, with a graveside service to follow at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery, 5801 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712. A funeral procession with police escorts will allow guests to travel comfortably from the church to the graveside.