Hunter Joseph Leonard

Hunter Joseph Leonard, October 5, 2000 - January 21, 2024. Hunter’s short joyful life ended unexpectedly Sunday, January 21, 2024. Hunter was born to Matt and Heather Leonard prematurely on his mom’s 27th birthday. Hunter was joined by his twin brother, Nicholas, and both remain their mom’s most precious birthday gift ever.

From the time Hunts was born, he was a spunky, sassy, and charismatic human! Although Hunts was very disabled, he never let his disabilities limit him. Hunts will be forever known for his deep belly laugh and his wide dimpled smile. We have countless pictures and videos of him with his legs crossed, head tossed back in joyful glee, clapping his hands and missing 80% of the time. Hunter lit up every room he sauntered or scooted into. He knew he could get whatever he desired with his outgoing personality. Hunter spoke very few words, but always made his needs very evident. For instance, if Hunter wanted you to leave, he would bring everyone their shoes. If you sat in his "spot," watch out because he would sit on you. He was also an excellent judge of character and if he didn’t like someone it was for a very valid reason.

Hunter loved any and all toys that lit up and played music and boy did he go through the batteries! He adored dogs, especially Daisy and Penny, and watching cardinals at the feeder brought him peace. He loved to splash in water, go bowling, and go to any zoo to see all the hooved animals. He adored going for outings in the community and going for car rides. He loved watching for the school bus each day and going to school. But most of all, he loved "his people" and interacting with them. Hunter found friendship and independence at his new home and was flourishing there. He loved all the staff and his friends deeply and had developed many new skills. He especially loved eating all that homemade food and watching daily as it was lovingly prepared. He was very at peace and so content there and made friends with everyone who walked through their doors.

Hunter is survived by his parents Matt Leonard and Heather Leonard; twin brother, Nicholas; Nana and Papa; Uncle Chad and Aunt Angela; Uncle Max; beloved cousins Ethan, Tristan, and Annabelle; the owners of his home, Anthony and Michelle; and all his housemates.

Hunter will be forever and tremendously missed by all who knew and loved him!

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. A celebration of life gathering will be held 6 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), with visitation from 4-6 p.m. prior to service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park towards the creation of a memorial bench in honor of Hunter. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.