Earl Wilson Leonard

1921-2012

Earl Wilson Leonard passed away April 16, 2012 of natural causes. He was born on August 23, 1921 in Michigan City, IN to Lee Wilson Leonard and Eunice Protsman. Earl was the second child, the only boy, in his family of two sisters. His sisters Dorothy Ruth and Lois Marie were very close to him in age and the children had great fun growing up. He remained close to his parents and sisters throughout his life.

The Leonard family moved frequently during Earl’s childhood during the 1920s and the Great Depression. The family settled permanently in Detroit, MI. Earl shined shoes in his father’s barbershop, sold pencils, played baseball, and watched many baseball “greats” of the era at Tiger Stadium. Each summer, Earl and his sisters had the adventure of traveling by train to Russellville, IN to visit his grandparents, Uncle Olin, Aunt Merrill, and later, cousins, Barbara and Charles Leonard on the Leonard farm. The farm is still owned by the Indiana Leonard family today.

Earl graduated from MacKenzie HS, Detroit, MI in 1939 and attended Hillsdale College in MI. Like many men during the 1940s, he interrupted his academic studies to serve his country during WWII. Earl joined the Army Air Corps (1942-1946), with principal duties as Pvt.-1st Lt. in the Air Weather Service and Air Transport Command. He was stationed for 9 months in the Philippines and Pacific Theater. Earl later attained the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserve. After the war, Earl returned to Hillsdale College to finish his studies. He graduated in 1947. It was at Hillsdale that he met the love of his life, Rebecca MacKinnon. They were married in Dearborn, MI on August 9, 1947.

Earl and Becky moved to California where Earl’s parents resided in San Diego. Earl began his career with the U.S. Weather Bureau in 1949. He received several outstanding performance awards for his flood forecasting work. Earl and Becky started their family in the San Francisco Bay area: Robert (1949), James Earl (1952), and John Alan (1954) were all born in CA. The family was a busy one with school activities, community volunteering, little league, cub scouts, attending church, and traveling to visit relatives near and far. A promotion in 1962 brought the Leonard family to Salt Lake City. In 1963, Margaret Louise, the surprise daughter was born. Earl continued his work as a meteorologist in the U.S. Weather Bureau until his retirement in 1981.

His retirement years were active and full of volunteer activities. Earl golfed with his meteorologist friends, volunteered for years at an elementary school, taught adults how to read, square danced, and participated in numerous service activities and organizations through Wasatch Presbyterian Church. He and Becky shared a life centered on their family, close friends, and their belief in God. They supported all four of their children through college and encouraged them to become successful adults. Several of their children went on to pursue graduate degrees and Earl and Becky supported them. Together, they traveled to Hawaii, American Samoa, Western Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Scotland. They saw most of the United States during their 55 years of marriage. Earl and Becky were very loving and generous parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

When Becky unexpectedly passed away in 2002, Earl had many adjustments to make. Earl took life in stride and re-created himself. He learned to cook, managed his house, adopted a little white dog, and traveled with chaperones on trips. When it was time to “down size” his home, he was able to enjoy a lovely apartment at Highland Cove. There, he fully participated and enjoyed the people and program offerings. He met a wonderful friend, Sammie Magruder, who offered him friendship and nurturing care. The family would like to thank his friends, employees, and caregivers at Highland Cove for their support and love.

Earl is survived by his three sons and daughter, Bob (Connie) Leonard, Citrus Heights, CA, Jim (Torrie) Leonard, W.V.C., UT, John (Hanneke) Leonard, Bountiful, UT, Meg (Larry) Cull, S.L.C., UT; eight grandchildren: Bryan, Emily Kyle, Danny (CA); Jeff, Wirtjo, Stefan, Marijke (UT) and six great-grandchildren in CA. His sister Ruth, Lemon Grove, CA turned 92 on the day of his passing. His parents, Lee and Eunice Leonard, sister, Lois Leonard Condit, and his wife, Becky MacKinnon Leonard, preceded him in death.

Earl never stopped living, laughing, or learning. With a twinkle in his eye and a smile or funny remark on his lips, he blessed us with his presence. Always one to do things his way, he died on the 100th Anniversary weekend of the sinking of the Titanic. He was 90 years young.

A memorial service will be held at Wasatch Presbyterian Church (1626 S. 1700 E.) S.L.C., UT on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. The family suggests honoring Earl through a memorial gift to the Soup Kitchen fund or Family Promise fund at Wasatch Presbyterian Church. Online condolences can be left at www.evans-earlymortuary.com