Leo Donald Leonard passed away peacefully January 4, 2021, in his home in Port Angeles, Washington. He was born November 23, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Florence Robbins Leonard and Leo Bradford Leonard.
Leo married his beautiful wife, Marilynn Hoyt, January 2, 1962, in Seattle, Washington. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Seattle Temple. They had one son, Richard Leonard.
Leo can be described as a man that was in continual motion, doing something of worth for his fellow men. He was involved in that service, until his final days.
Three things were highly important to Leo: his family, education, and the Marine Corps.
He was proud of the achievements of Marilynn, especially when she received her Doctorate of Business from the University of Washington. Richard, their son, graduated from high school, even with the learning difficulties that afflicted him from his difficult birth. Richard went on to serve a successful mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and did some college work, as well.
Leo earned a B.S. degree from the University of Utah in Psychology, as M.S. from Utah State University in Sociology/Social Work, an M.A. from George Washington University in Special Education, and a Doctorate of Education from Utah State University. He was a Fulbright Scholar – Africa- and worked with the native people in South Africa.
He worked for the U.S. Office of Education in Washington D.C. and for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in Washington D.C. He was the Education Advisor to the Governor of the State of Utah; and was Dean of the School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Leo had the blessing of working as an ordinance worked in the Washington D.C. Temple, and the Salt Lake Temple. He and Marilynn were the Director and Wife at the Hamilton New Zealand Visitors Center for two years. He served as a High Councilman in two stakes of the church, and served in a young adult ward bishopric as a councilor.
He served as a NCO, and then as a commissioned officer, in the U.S. Marine Corps, for over 30 years. For a period of time, he worked in the Marine Commandant’s office. During his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Leo is survived by his wife, Marilynn Hoyt Leonard; and his brother, Phillip Merrill Leonard. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard C. Leonard; his mother, Florence Robbins Leonard; and his father, Leo Bradford Leonard.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. There will not be a public visitation. Following the funeral service, interment will be at Salem City Cemetery, 130 East 979 South, Salem, Utah 84653. Military Honors will be accorded Leo by the Marine Corps, from Utah Camp Williams.
7 Condolences for Leo Donald Leonard
Condolences(7)
Robert Skolnik says
January 23, 2021 at 7:53 pmI am so glad I had a chance to meet Leo and I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to share with him more. Sincerest condolences to Marilynn and the family.
Delores Darling says
January 24, 2021 at 12:15 amHugs to Marilyn and Leo’s family. We enjoyed the time you spent in Port Angeles and the friendships we have formed with your family.
You will all be missed.
Love, Bob and Delores
Ann Murakami says
January 25, 2021 at 1:02 amDear Marilyn and Family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Leo. I often think of the chats we had after our Rotary meetings and will miss that. Hope to see you back in Port Angeles. Again, my sincere condolences.
Suzanne DeBey says
January 25, 2021 at 4:20 amDearest Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories of your amazing life together give you comfort through this difficult time. You will be missed at Rotary. May Leo’s memory be for a blessing. Blessings, Suzanne.
Fred Royce says
January 25, 2021 at 9:39 pmI enjoyed knowing Leo as a Rotarian and as a person who loved to share his ideas and opinions. He added quality to my life and will be missed.. My condolences to Marilyn and family.
Jonathan Pasternack says
January 28, 2021 at 6:35 pmLeo was a great friend to the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra, for many years. We are but one of several orchestras in the U.S. that were fortunate to count him as a board member, an advisor and, with his wife Marilynn, a benefactor. Personally, I will miss his friendship very much, and our many conversations about music and education, two subjects to which he was so devoted. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Mark Schildknecht says
January 30, 2021 at 10:52 pmLeo was a member of the Mount Olympus Detachment #897 of the Marine Corps League. Leo was proud to be a Marine and as Detachment Commandant I was proud to have him take part in our projects and activities. He was not only a Detachment member and a friend, but he was a brother.
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