Paul T. Leonard died peacefully on May 12th 2016 at his home in Tucson, Arizona after a long battle with hydrocephalus and vascular dementia. Pat Leonard, his wife of 61 years and best friend was with him.
Paul,
The time has come for us to part
Your departure has left emptiness in many hearts
We must release you-this we know
God has called you and you must go
You had a passion for family love and pride
And it was strong 'till the day you died
It breaks our heart to lose you
But you do not go alone
Part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
With Love, Pat
Paul is survived by his children: Denise (Deni) Dickson (husband, Dennis) of Indianapolis, IN, Lori Wheeler (husband, Jon) of Walla Walla, WA, Paul T. Leonard, Jr. (wife, Denise) of Hayden Lake, ID, Mary Leonard of Los Angeles, CA and foster-son, Hank L. Phan of Murrieta, CA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jonathan Wheeler, Nicole (Kellen) Clemens, Cassie (Vincent) Glondo, Jamie Wheeler, Brittany (Michael) Ratelle, Paul Leonard III (Mary Alice), Madison Leonard and Hannah Leonard and twelve great grandchildren: Samantha and Beckham Wheeler, Kate, Grant and Scarlet Clemens, Gracie, Dominic and Gianna Glondo, Eleanor, Charlotte and Emmett Ratelle and Liv Leonard.
Paul is also survived by his brother, Philip Leonard, his sister Mary Bassett, and 69 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to either;
Santa Catalina Catholic Church
14380 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85737
Attention: Susan Budrow
OR
Hospice Family Care
6300 El Dorado Plaza, Suite 100, Tucson, AZ 85755
Attention: Robin Perez.
Please make donations in Memory of Paul T. Leonard.
It is so hard to believe that you left me 6 years ago today. In many ways, it seems like yesterday and then again, in seems like eons ago. The one thing that I am absolutely sure of is that my love for you is as deep now as it ever was. I miss you, big guy. RIP!
I miss you, Popino. So many mornings we would talk and you would frequently say, "There's an old Indian saying, Today is a good day to die." You (like Momina & I) have always appreciated and are grateful for where you are, what you have and know who you are. Such a great way to navigate through life to be present and not longing for something that isn't here right now, comfortable knowing that today is enough and good even if it ends that very day. Although you're not with us, I cherish our time together and hold you in my heart forever. Love you, Mary
Happy Birthday, Daddy-O,
We think about you every day, but especially on your SPECIAL day! We will be having dinner with Fluffy tonight and we will make a special toast to you!!
We will be together one day! With love , D & D
We think about you every day, but especially on your SPECIAL day! We will be having dinner with Fluffy tonight and we will make a special toast to you!!
We will be together one day! With love , D & D
Thinking so much about my big friend. He would have been 90 years old today. I have wonderful memories to keep me going. RIP Big Guy! I miss you every day.
Denise
We are thinking about your father today and your mother. We miss both you and Dennis.
The days are passing by and life is short.
Being together and appreciating friendship- one day we won’t be able to - let’s not let time prevent us from doing so-❤️
We are thinking about your father today and your mother. We miss both you and Dennis.
The days are passing by and life is short.
Being together and appreciating friendship- one day we won’t be able to - let’s not let time prevent us from doing so-❤️
Dear Daddy-O,
We miss you every day, but particularly on Father's Day! At Mass this evening, there was a special blessing for all the Fathers--we looked up to the skies as we blessed you! Love you to the moon and back.
Deni and Dennis
We miss you every day, but particularly on Father's Day! At Mass this evening, there was a special blessing for all the Fathers--we looked up to the skies as we blessed you! Love you to the moon and back.
Deni and Dennis
My Dad. He was born and raised in Plainview, Minnesota. He loved dreaming, deep discussions and the ocean. He was a JC Penney man for over 40 years. He was witty and loyal. He was a great storyteller and and a man who liked a good scotch or a tall, cold beer with a friend. He taught me about unconditional love and about decency and hard work. All the stuff that just stays with you forever. Happy Father's Day, Popino.
I miss you every day. <3 Tweets
I miss you every day. <3 Tweets
Popino,
Momina and I had breakfast this morning and beckoned you to join us. We are thinking of you today….. and always. Wish you were here to take a drive out to see the "Big O" and have some lunch.
Love you always,
Tweets
Momina and I had breakfast this morning and beckoned you to join us. We are thinking of you today….. and always. Wish you were here to take a drive out to see the "Big O" and have some lunch.
Love you always,
Tweets
Five years‼️ I can’t believe this many years have passed. I miss you so much and feel your presence every day❤️ My heart is filled with such wonderful memories .
Happy Birthday, Popino. You would have been 89 today.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you.
I Love you very much, Mary
Those who have left us are not absent, they are only invisible. Their eyes, full of joy, are fixed on ours, full of tears. They are always with us. -Saint Augustine
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you.
I Love you very much, Mary
Those who have left us are not absent, they are only invisible. Their eyes, full of joy, are fixed on ours, full of tears. They are always with us. -Saint Augustine
I’m thinking of my Big Nonno today — fellow April birthday buddy. I wish I could call you up and tell you about all my recent adventures, and yet I know that you already know about them. And are probably talking about them to anyone who will listen :) Love you, Madiruski
There is never a day that I don’t think of you many many times. And, today would be your 89th birthday. I do hope that they have spice cake in heaven and that you will have just a little sliver. I am not sure whether they do crowns or not but those were special things on your special day. I miss you more than anyone could ever believe
Dear Daddy-O, Tommorrow would be your 89th Birthday. Your Birthdays were always special events: Your requests for favorite foods, lots of singing, and a crown, of course! This past year has been especially hard on Mom--losing Aunt Marian and Aunt Bette, plus the hardship of CoVid, but as you know she is a very strong woman and we know you give her strength from above. We look forward to the day we will be united. XXX000
Dennis and Deni
Dennis and Deni
Dear Daddy-O, a.k.a. the Major,
It was four years ago today, that you left us; we knew that it was a blessing that your suffering here on earth would end. We think of you often and miss you SO VERY MUCH!!
With Love and Prayers,
Deni and Big D
It was four years ago today, that you left us; we knew that it was a blessing that your suffering here on earth would end. We think of you often and miss you SO VERY MUCH!!
With Love and Prayers,
Deni and Big D
I miss you, Popino but you are always with me.
You are in my thoughts and in my heart.
Always.
XXOO, Mary
You are in my thoughts and in my heart.
Always.
XXOO, Mary
It is so hard to believe that four long years have passed. You are in my heart and prayers every day!
Doubt thou the stars are fire
Doubt that the sun doth move
Doubt that truth to be a liar
But never doubt that I love - you.
(Hamlet)
RIP, Big Guy
Doubt thou the stars are fire
Doubt that the sun doth move
Doubt that truth to be a liar
But never doubt that I love - you.
(Hamlet)
RIP, Big Guy
Pat, your sharing of your Paul is so appreciated. Four years passes so quickly and it is but a flash of time in Paul's eternity of time. He is honored by your love. Mark and Pat
Big N,
I am a day late, so this post will not show up on your Birthday! However, no big deal right? Cause no need for birthdays in heaven, for everyday is a day of happiness and joy in the presence of our merciful God. It is a beautiful day here in Walla Walla. I probably never really thanked you and God enough over the years for the gift of your daughter Lori. She has been the perfect life partner for me! She is by far the most talented and gifted woman I know. You can revel in the glories of heaven knowing you and Pat changed and blessed my life with the gift of life thru your daughter Lori. I will always love you and the gift forever! Love you “Bigger than a Mountain”
Jon
I am a day late, so this post will not show up on your Birthday! However, no big deal right? Cause no need for birthdays in heaven, for everyday is a day of happiness and joy in the presence of our merciful God. It is a beautiful day here in Walla Walla. I probably never really thanked you and God enough over the years for the gift of your daughter Lori. She has been the perfect life partner for me! She is by far the most talented and gifted woman I know. You can revel in the glories of heaven knowing you and Pat changed and blessed my life with the gift of life thru your daughter Lori. I will always love you and the gift forever! Love you “Bigger than a Mountain”
Jon
(Go to video in gallery)
I am not quite ready for the Philharmonic, but practice makes perfect. Dad could not hear this song often enough on his birthday.
With love and many good memories.
Deni
I am not quite ready for the Philharmonic, but practice makes perfect. Dad could not hear this song often enough on his birthday.
With love and many good memories.
Deni
Dear Dad,
You haven’t gone away, you walk beside me every day…Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved and still missed. You are in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my life always.
XXOO, Tweets
You haven’t gone away, you walk beside me every day…Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved and still missed. You are in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my life always.
XXOO, Tweets
Linda and I will forever miss our visits with you and Pat and our "deep thought" phone call conversations. You held your ground when you believed in something and respected those that had different point of views.
We miss you friend.
We miss you friend.
Pat, my Pat and I so appreciate the time we spent together while traveliing with you and Paul at the Pre-Retirement Seminars. You already know that, but we learned so much from you and Paul. We will never stop caring for that time of love and generosity of your ideas and accomplisments. Please always know we that we always cared to this day.
From Mark and Paricia Whitworth
From Mark and Paricia Whitworth
I guess my age is showing as I didn't realized that I had posted this little prayer a ways back, It is one that I say so often and it sort of gives me solace, I miss you Big guy - today and every day!
I thought of you with love today, but, that is nothing new. I thought of you
yesterday and days before that , too. I think of you in silence and I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. You memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in his loving hands. I have you in my heart!
RIP
yesterday and days before that , too. I think of you in silence and I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. You memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in his loving hands. I have you in my heart!
RIP
The hounds my bark but the caravan rolls on
When ever things got tough or problems arose Paul would say this.
When he did I always visualized an old in medieval times.
I always will remember this. He will be missed
When ever things got tough or problems arose Paul would say this.
When he did I always visualized an old in medieval times.
I always will remember this. He will be missed
It's a beautiful spring here in Switzerland and I'm thinking of my Big N often. I know he would be thrilled about me living in europe, singing opera, and married to my best friend. I'm so excited for some time in the future when Shea can meet the wonderful patriarch of our family :) Love you fore'er
Father's Day is special to all of us. Especially on such remembrance days. God Bless YOU. Mark and pat
Thinking of you on Father's Day, Daddy-O. You were a wonderful teacher, role model , mentor and best friend. I learned so much from you. Maybe the most valuable lesson was that I could accomplish anything that I wanted to do; this instilled a strong sense of self confidence in all of us kids. Thank you! Until we meet again! Deni
Pat, Mother's Day is here and we will always be sure that Paul never forgot you on that Occasion. You gave him a beautiful family. He is probably still saying from Heaven that he loves you, but if you need him at any time, just pray and connect with him. Beats the Internet all the way. Mark and Patricia Whitworth
Worked with Paul for many years. Always enjoyed being with Paul. Paul always had an enlightening approach to life and business.
The world needs more Like him.
Dave Nafziger
The world needs more Like him.
Dave Nafziger
Thinking of you today - as I do every day! I can’t believe it has been three years . I still miss you so much and every day I want to share something special with you. I feel your love from above and love you so much
Fluffy
Fluffy
Ironically, as it may seem, I have not visited this website for sometime. However, I chose today to read all the beautiful memorial’s that have been Written about Paul. It makes me realize how fortunate I have been to be married to this wonderful man for over 60 years. And, it fills my heart with love when I read the wonderful comments that his friends and family have made about him. I miss him dearly and he is in my thoughts and my heart every waking moment of the day. But, I know that he is at peace and for that reason, I am also at peace. I love you more than yesterday and less in tomorrow.
Your Fluff
Your Fluff
Dear Daddy O,
Three years ago today, we lost you, but we know you are in a much better place. We are always together in spirit. You will be with us today as we celebrate Mother’s Day. We are in the Wee Village, Tweets will be preparing a special meal; Hung and Sue A. will be joining Mom, Big D and I for the day.
We know that you would love the newest member of the family, Rufus,
He will not be allowed to eat bran muffins❗️ Love you to bits, Deni
Three years ago today, we lost you, but we know you are in a much better place. We are always together in spirit. You will be with us today as we celebrate Mother’s Day. We are in the Wee Village, Tweets will be preparing a special meal; Hung and Sue A. will be joining Mom, Big D and I for the day.
We know that you would love the newest member of the family, Rufus,
He will not be allowed to eat bran muffins❗️ Love you to bits, Deni
Thanks for responding, Pat. We live in SoCal. We appreciate your remembrances, Pat and Mark Whitworth
Paul was a standout in our life. He was reachable in conversation and time spent. We were the blessed ones. His footprints will never fade away.
May God Bless you, Pat, in sharing him with us.
May God Bless you, Pat, in sharing him with us.
The birthday crown sits on the shelf and that spice cake won't be baked, but your presence is with me every moment of every waking hour. I survive on wonderful memories of you. We had such a good life and those are the things that I cling to now. Happy Birthday! I hope you get a "sliver" of cake. I love you more than yesterday, but, less than tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, Dad.
Thank you for your love, your generosity, your humor and lit but loyal debates. You've taught me a lot of things, except how to live without you. Love you, Mary
Those who have left us are not absent, they are only invisible. Their eyes, full of joy, are fixed on ours, full of tears. They are always with us. -Saint Augustine
Thank you for your love, your generosity, your humor and lit but loyal debates. You've taught me a lot of things, except how to live without you. Love you, Mary
Those who have left us are not absent, they are only invisible. Their eyes, full of joy, are fixed on ours, full of tears. They are always with us. -Saint Augustine
It all started sixty four years ago today when Paul and Pat became husband and wife. We are thankful that they brought four children into this world‼️ We are the people that we are today, because of the lessons they taught us, the inspiration they provided and most of all, the unconditional love they constantly gave to us.
Daddy-O, I think of you every day; Your bride misses you but I feel so lucky to give her a hug every day. ❤️
Daddy-O, I think of you every day; Your bride misses you but I feel so lucky to give her a hug every day. ❤️
Celebrating my parents great love today! My Dad was a great soul.
A Great Soul
By Maya Angelou
“A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.”
A Great Soul
By Maya Angelou
“A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.”
Hey, Big Guy,
I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought of you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence and I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in his keeping and I have you in my heart.
Happy Anniversary
I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought of you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence and I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in his keeping and I have you in my heart.
Happy Anniversary
Ironically, as it may seem, I have not visited this website for sometime. However, I chose today to read all the beautiful memorial’s that have been Written about Paul. It makes me realize how fortunate I have been to be married to this wonderful man for over 60 years. And, it fills my heart with love when I read the wonderful comments that his friends and family have made about him. I miss him dearly and he is in my thoughts and my heart every waking moment of the day. But, I know that he is at peace and for that reason, I am also at peace. I love you more than yesterday and less in tomorrow.
Your Fluff
Your Fluff
Dear Daddy-O,
I think about you every day, but especially today--Christmas Eve and Grandma Evie's birthday. We will be going to mass and returning home for
oyster stew and tamales . Hung and Mary are here, staying with Mom. Give Grandma a hug from all of us. Wish we could all be together, but someday we will.
With love,
Deni
I think about you every day, but especially today--Christmas Eve and Grandma Evie's birthday. We will be going to mass and returning home for
oyster stew and tamales . Hung and Mary are here, staying with Mom. Give Grandma a hug from all of us. Wish we could all be together, but someday we will.
With love,
Deni
So sad to realize you’re no longer with us, Paul, but fondly remember you from all the summer weeks the Malone cousins spent with the Leonard family in Plainview. I love to think of you reunited with your generous, loving parents: your gentle father, Mike, and spirited mother, Evelyn. Rest In Peace, knowing that you live on in the hearts of many.
Thinking of you today, Big N. I've had a big couple of months! Married to my sweetheart (who you will adore), and singing in some very cool places. I can't help but think that you are bragging it up big time where you are, in the sweet way that only you can. We all miss you dearly and share stories and memories of you often. I guess we got the bragging gene, too :) Love you forever, Ruski
Dear Daddy-O,
You are always in our thoughts, but especially this week on your birthday. We wanted to have a low-key birthday celebration: so Mom and I went to mass, then brought pastries home from Basha's--sorry no cake or crown--we will save those for when we are together. In the meantime, know that we feel your presence EVERY day. Love, Deni
You are always in our thoughts, but especially this week on your birthday. We wanted to have a low-key birthday celebration: so Mom and I went to mass, then brought pastries home from Basha's--sorry no cake or crown--we will save those for when we are together. In the meantime, know that we feel your presence EVERY day. Love, Deni
Today, my Dad would have been 86 years old. The older I become, the more I realize that having a father like him was as rare as a desert rose and just as beautiful. Those we love don't go away. They stay in our hearts; always near, still loved and still missed. Forever grateful to have had him as my friend and my dad. Happy birthday, Poppino!
Big "N" you where missed today! The family all gathered for a beautiful
joining of two kids very much in LOVE! Hannah and Chris were sealed together for all time and eternity! We felt you with us all day...we celebrated the day of your passing with a beautiful union of your youngest grand-daughter! It was a beautiful day and Paul wore your watch and spoke about the TIME that has passed and how much we miss you. I miss your smile, conversations on all the latest topics and watching how you loved on your "fluffy"....All my love, Niece
joining of two kids very much in LOVE! Hannah and Chris were sealed together for all time and eternity! We felt you with us all day...we celebrated the day of your passing with a beautiful union of your youngest grand-daughter! It was a beautiful day and Paul wore your watch and spoke about the TIME that has passed and how much we miss you. I miss your smile, conversations on all the latest topics and watching how you loved on your "fluffy"....All my love, Niece
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
It is so hard to believe that you left me 6 years ago today. In many ways, it seems like yesterday and then again, in seems like eons ago. The one thing that I am absolutely sure of is that my love for you is as deep now as it ever was. I miss you, big guy. RIP!
I miss you, Popino. So many mornings we would talk and you would frequently say, "There's an old Indian saying, Today is a good day to die." You (like Momina & I) have always appreciated and are grateful for where you are, what you have and know who you are. Such a great way to navigate through life to be present and not longing for something that isn't here right now, comfortable knowing that today is enough and good even if it ends that very day. Although you're not with us, I cherish our time together and hold you in my heart forever. Love you, Mary
Gallery
Always near, still loved and still missed. Forever grateful to have had him as my friend and my dad. Happy birthday! I love you, Poppino!
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Recent stories
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Dad was born 85 years ago today. What a full life he lived! If he was with us today, we would have baked a spice cake with German chocolate icing. We would have made him a crown out of tin foil which he would have worn all day. He would have wanted us to sing "Happy Birthday" to him throughout the day--(what happened to his humility?)
We do think about him every day and know he his looking down on us.
We look forward to being with you, Dad.
With all our love, XXXOOO, Big D and Deni
How Lucky I am
How lucky I am.....
--To be Mom and Dad's first born
--To be the child that strongly favored Dad in looks and temperament
--To have had a tall, handsome gentleman for a hero, one named, Dad
--To have a Dad who taught me many important lessons, maybe first and foremost, the fact that I could do anything I wanted in life
--To have Dad as a role model, especially in my career in business
--To have shared so many womderful times with Mom and Dad, our best friends and neighbors in Saddlebrooke, for over two decades
--To be in Tucson as Dad's health declined; although this period was extremely difficult, it was a very special time to be by his side, with Mom.
--To have had the chance to say a long "Good-bye" to Dad; this was the hardest thing that I have done in my life, but I know that he is in a much better place and one day we will be together again.
Thank you, Daddy-O; I love you, Deni