Lionel Russell Grey Happ Leonard Jr.

Lionel “Lee” Russell Grey Happ Leonard Jr. passed away surrounded by family, on July 6, 2024 at 87 years of age. He lived a full life, loved by a devoted family and many friends. Lee was kind, positive, funny, adventurous, and intelligent. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, a devoted friend to many, and a lifelong teacher to his children, grandchildren, and thousands of students. He was an avid hiker, runner, swimmer, skier, cyclist, and tennis player. He would never pass up the opportunity for a good workout with friends or a casual hike or bike ride with his children (especially if he was rewarded with a big meal at the end of the adventure). Lee was an unforgettable presence with a warm, friendly, and welcoming demeanor, blue eyes, striking gray hair, and 6’8” stature. He was a lifelong student of literature and music, and he loved sharing these passions with his children and grandchildren. Never one to hurry through the precious moments in life, Lee always accepted invitations to walk, read, and play with his grandchildren. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Edna Leonard. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife, Gail; children, Allison Lee Breedveld (Koen), Brian Davis Leonard (Kate), and Emily Lillian Nunn (Kyle); grandchildren, Lilly Breedveld, Hendrik Breedveld, Olivia Nunn, and Beckett Nunn; brother, Brent Leonard; brother-in-law, William Davis (Laurie); nieces, Laura Baucum (Jordan) and Abigail Douglass (Connor); and great-niece, Charlotte Douglass.

Lee was born on September 20, 1936 in Glendale, California, to Edna, an opera singer, and Lionel, an actor and businessman. Lee moved first to La Crescenta, and at the age of 9, the family loaded up their station wagon, with goats and chickens in tow, and moved to a 100-acre ranch on Lower Springs Road in Redding, CA, playfully dubbed “BrentLee Acres.” Lee enjoyed growing up on the ranch with the ability to play, roam the property, pan for gold, and spend time with the goats, pigs, horses, and other ranch animals. His family was grateful to be part of the Redding community and they were active in the Episcopal Church for many years.

Lee’s first job was as a shoe-shine boy on Market Street and later at the Eureka Market in Redding. While attending Shasta High School, he worked as a stock clerk for JCPenney. Lee discovered his love of basketball in high school and earned a full-ride scholarship to play at Stanford University. He continued his academic career at the University of the Pacific and graduated with a B.A. in English. During his college years, he joined the Hayfork Hotshots and worked at the Stockton Post Office. After graduating from the University of the Pacific, he first worked with his father at the Redding Post Office and then began his career in education. Lee’s first teaching job was at Montgomery Creek School where he also drove the school bus. He taught at Cypress Elementary School, Live Oak School, Bonnyview Elementary School, and Parsons Junior High School. Lee earned his M.A. in English from Chico State University before moving on to his favorite career as an English teacher at Shasta College for 30 years. He treasured the Shasta College community, where he met many wonderful students and colleagues who became his lifelong friends. Lee was a well-respected English and tennis instructor and the Shasta College ski team coach for many years. He was an active member of the Shasta Wheelmen and one of the founding members of S.W.E.A.T. Lee was extremely amiable, valued his relationships with people, and demonstrated a remarkable ability to recall names of former acquaintances, colleagues, students, and friends throughout his life.

In 1974, Lee met his soulmate, Gail Davis, who taught English and worked for the Social Science Division at Shasta College. According to Lee, it was love at first sight. Lee and Gail were married on December 21, 1974 and began their life of 50 years together. They raised three children: Allison, Brian, and Emily. Lee’s children appreciated when he read stories, played records, recited poems, and helped with school writing assignments. He was very supportive of his children’s interests and enjoyed attending their activities. Lee also enjoyed brewing beer and cooking for his family. He was famous for his ambrosia, clam spaghetti, stroganoff, calamari, root beer, Fantasy Fudge, and curried kidney.

Lee demonstrated an appreciation for and knowledge of music throughout his life, especially the classical works of Mozart and Beethoven. He was an accomplished string bass player for over 45 years, playing in the Shasta Symphony, the Simpson University Symphonia, and the North State Symphony. Lee remained active after retirement with music, travel, family, friends, outdoor activities, and volunteering as a docent for Spring Rivers Foundation, helping to lead hikes and outdoor activities for many local students.

Lee’s family wishes to thank his close friends for their steadfast, long-term friendships and Leticia for assisting Lee with excellent care and encouragement. He was a great mentor who touched many lives and will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, relatives, friends, and students.

The family welcomes contributions in Lee’s honor to Spring Rivers Foundation (springrivers.org), Shasta Land Trust (shastalandtrust.org), Shasta Historical Society (shastahistorical.org), or Another Chance Animal Welfare League (acawl.org), organizations that were supported and appreciated by Lee.