Mr. Bart Michael Leonard

On July 27, 2023, Bart Michael Leonard, 73, of Washington DC, died peacefully at Georgetown University Hospital, surrounded by family and close friends. He died of complications from liver and bile duct cancers.

Born in Paterson, NJ, he was preceded in death by his parents Tess (Alexander) Licker and Leonard Licker, and his sister Linda (Licker) Harris. He attended East Side High School in Paterson, NJ, and Philadelphia College of Textiles.

Bart was the Owner, President & CEO of Cushion Craft, Inc, a leading manufacturer of licensed cushions, pillows, and home furnishings designed with the logos of professional sports leagues as well as over 100 colleges and universities. In 1994 the company was presented with the Golden Helmet award from NFL Properties, Inc. dubbing the firm “Pillow Pioneers”.

A student of Tibetan Buddhism since 1976, Bart studied with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a renowned teacher of the Kagyu lineage of Buddhism. After moving to Washington DC in 1997, Bart became active in the DC Shambhala Center. He served on the Board from 2005-2010, chairing the Board from 2008-2009. After selling his business in 1999, Bart devoted himself full time to his Buddhist studies and to raising his two daughters. From 2017-2022 Bart served on the Board of Naropa University in Boulder, CO, a liberal arts University founded on Buddhist principles by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1974.

Bart is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Barbara Krumsiek, and his two beloved daughters, Claire Leonard and Veronica Leonard LeBlanc (Tyler). He is also survived by his nieces Lauren Harris and Leslie Harris (Jake Lewis), many dear cousins and their families, and many nieces, grandnieces and nephews in his extended family.

A funeral service will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons LLC Funeral Home on Sunday July 30, 2023 at 12:30 PM, followed by a reception at the funeral home from 1:30 – 3:30.

Bart and the family wish that any who desire to honor his memory with a financial gift do so by directing it to Naropa University. Bart was a long time member of the Naropa Board of Trustees and offered great service to the students and Naropa’s mission.

To make a gift, please click on the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page, and where it says “ Couldn't find the fund you're looking for?” please enter “In memory of Bart Leonard” and designated the amount.