On the 7th of May 2018, our dearest husband and father reunited with his family in heaven after many years of illness and increasing disability. True to his personality, he passed in his sleep with a minimum of drama.
Leonard was born in beautiful Salida, Colorado. He participated in every sport available to him including track, baseball, basketball…and of course, football. Football was what spurred him to join the Army and the effort to create peace in Korea. While in Korea, he was briefly captured by the Chinese—but they let him go after trading him Coke for his chocolate. Everyone liked him…even the “enemy”!
In addition to football, Leonard loved his work and his family. He did concrete work for over 50 years throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Many large projects on which he worked still stand today. His work philosophy could be summarized as “keep your head down and work hard”. He never sought recognition, but let the work do his talking.
Leonard was a loving husband to his wife, Kathleen. They were together for 50 years and she remained his most cherished companion right to the end. His children recall a father that taught them pride in a job well done, keeping a good attitude, a sense of humor, service and integrity…though he always said “if you ain’t cheatin’; you ain’t tryin’”…which is why we didn’t play board games with him often!
Leonard was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Though he hasn’t been able to attend services for years, he greatly valued the opportunity to partake of the sacrament as it was brought to him by the YM of the wards in which he lived.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his son Jeff (Stephanie) and his daughter, Liz. He also left behind his grandchildren and many other family and friends. His dog, Brooke, will also miss him tremendously. He was proceeded in death by his parents Porfirio and Adeline, his siblings, Joe, Margaret, Caroline, Theresa and Jerry and his son, Matt, and many other beloved family members. We trust they are enjoying a beautiful reunion.
An open-house to honor Leonard’s life will be held at the Porter Lane Meetinghouse at 436 W 400 S in Centerville, Utah from 6-8pm on Friday, May 11th.
