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.....

--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
  
 

I have had many wonderful opportunities to travel to Saddlebrooke since Pat and Paul's relocation there in the 80's. Last fall, October 2015, I was on a much needed respite following right shoulder reconstruction and a blow out of my left shoulder.  I was staying with Deni, my bestestfriend in the world!

Pat and Deni were out on an errand and I was sitting with Paul for the morning.
The following vignette was as I recall a common event in the Leonard household,
but a first for me.

I had settled Paul in with the morning paper as we concluded a discussion on various topics and our morning arm workout. I needed to run to the ladies room and asked Paul to stay seated while I was gone.  HOWEVER, I returned to find Paul sprawled on the floor, attempting to rise.  Oh, Daddy-O, what have you done?  Not sure how or where to begin lifting him, I lay on the floor beside him to calm him down.  We did some deep breathing and I asked him if he knew any new jokes.  He did not, so I shared the two I knew.

Finally, I got to my knees realizing how handicapped I was with no shoulder strength.  So we proceeded to roll toward the sofa with the help of a blanket under
Paul and finally inched our way onto the sofa.  Laughing the whole time, Paul and I admitted life and friends are good.  His pride was a bit dented but all in all, we survived with a lot of giggles!  Paul and I conspired not to "tell" (so Paul would not get into trouble)!

Kathy Hetzler, Paul's buddy
 

Note from Leonard and Bernice Wadas

Note from Mary and Bob Lynch

Note from Nancy Sorenson

Note from Chuck and Marcella Doud

Note from Marian Halloran (Pat's sister)

Note from Jerry and Lois Halloran

Note from Bevin and Walt Wagner

Note from the Russ & Yvonne Schoenfelder family

Note from MaryAnn Oeschgler

Note from Fay Steele

Note from Chelsea and Pascual (Mary's neighbors)

Note from Sheila Leonard (niece)

Note from Bernie and Irene (neighbors)

Darin Henry family (Lori Wheeler's friend)

Note from MaryLu and Steve Risewick

Note from Bonnie Schoenfelder and Gary Szumylo

Note from Tom and Claudia Clairmont

Note from Alice Cruse

Note from Dwain and Gayle Sell

Note from Joyce and Dr. Chuck Farho

Note from Bishop Gerald Kicanas

Randy/Pat/Kenny & Pat Schoenfelder

Note from Bill Hartman (breakfast buddy)

Note from Kevin and Susanne Bassett

Note from Luann Barry and Scott Goldman

Pat and Bernie Stevens (niece & nephew)

Karen and Gordon Wendlandt

Jo Sauvegeau

Jerry and Maureen Barry

Peggy Swalls 

Barbara Shultz (Santa Catalina)

Connie Wortman (friend)

Note from Jen & Steve

HCSC CLUB

Craig and Dot McKenzie (Indy Tire)

The Paul T. Leonard Jr. Family

Grandchildren

Ray and Leslie Pierce (JCP friend)

Karl Klingelhofer

Larry Bassett (nephew)

As one of eight grandchildren of Big Nonno (as we called him), it was a privilege to have many memories and stories with him. One that sticks out in particular happened on one of the summer vacation trips down to Port Aransas that I took with my Nonno, Nonna, and my cousins Cassie and Nicole Wheeler. 

I was probably 9 or 10. We stayed in a condo right on the beach, which made for many hours in the surf and in the pool. There was also a little deck off the condo overlooking Gulf of Mexico. On an afternoon, after the girls and I had finished a snack on the balcony, there were lots of crumbs all over the deck. Nonna suggested (as only a tidy grandmother could) that one of us go and get a broom to sweep up the crumbs. I don't know if I volunteered or was specifically assigned, but I do remember doing a haphazard job of sweeping up the mess. I set the broom down and went to go inside, thinking I was "done" with my task. (those who knew Big Nonno well...and I'm sure those who worked for him will hardly be surprised with what happened next). 

Big Nonno happened to look over my handiwork, and marched me back outside, showing me that I needed to sweep the crumbs from all over the deck (including the dirt that we didn't even make! Can you believe it!) He handed me back the broom and said, "Any job worth doing is worth doing well." 

At the time, I was a bit embarassed to be called out by my warm and fuzzy grandfather (where was the candy jar and the lively conversation?) But, I never forget that lesson. 

I will never forget this and many other lessons of hard work, perserverance, and excellence that were a cornerstone of Big N's legacy and his life. Until we meet again Big Nonno and I hope I can say I did my job well. 

Love, 
Baby Bee
 

Paul was a good friend and neighbor for almost fifteen years,  He and his wonderful wife Patricia lived just across the street and everone in our neighborhood enjoyed having them as neighbors. 

Even when Paul became less agile he always had a warm welcome for me when I visited him and Pat. 

We all miss Paul and we are here to comfort Pat in any way we can.

Morris Stephens

I did not know Paul well. I didn't know him as a father, husband, mentor or even a close friend. I knew him as a man. A man that effortlessly commanded respect. His height, stature and quiet demeanor always appeared a pillar of strength to me. 

Looking at his picture now, I remember his eyes. When he looked at me, I knew he saw not just me, but insde of me. He knew who I am without asking a single question. I remember he was always impecably dressed, whether for dinner or a simple conversation in his own livingroom. And talking with Paul was what I enjoyed most about being around him. Always respectful and a very good listener, I never knew when a Leonard gem was going to pop out of his mouth. Once we were talking about our children, his grown and mine not quite, he told me "you have to get the kids off the payroll at some point". I did use that advise wisely I think. 

As his persomal trainer, the conversation was not always as welcome. He could be the master of distraction with questions and comments. This was not because of a profound inerest in exercise science, but rather a way to get through the hour with as little effort as possible. Exercise was not his thing. Paul was like that. Passionate about the people and things he loved and not so much about the rest. 

I did not know Paul well, but I wish I had. That is my loss, as wlth his passing, a tremeddous loss for all that did know this great man. 

A Eulogy For My Dad- offered on May 19, 2016
Santa Catalina Catholic Church - Tucson , Arizona

Good morning.  For those whom I have not met yet, I am Paul Leonard Jr.  And before I begin I would, on behalf of our family, and especially on behalf of our strong and loving mother, like to thank you all for setting aside the cares of the world, and being here today.  We feel your strength and love wrapped around us.  And I know my Dad, who didn’t really even want a fuss or funeral, is smiling as well. 

Thank you to those who have touched us with their music this morning.  And thank you Mom for not making speak directly after my little girl finished “Ave' Maria’”!  Thank you to everyone here at Santa Catalina church, for holding our hand through this process , and for all you have done to make today special.  My mom and dad have sat in those pews,  for over 25 years, feeling the Holy Ghost, taking the Eucharist,  and looking out these windows and admiring God’s handiwork.  I know that my father will still be sitting next to my mom when she comes and sits here next week.  And thank you to my eloquent sister Mary for her words, and for Davey, Chuck, and Bruce for giving us one more peek into our Dad.  There were no friendships he treasured more than yours.  (we were a little worried about having to get Davey’s remarks pre-approved, they being Butch Cassidy and Sundance for so many years at JCPenney….)

In 1932 my dad was born in Minnesota and brought home to a white and green house, with dark wood floors and creaky stairs, on a quiet street.  He was born into a loving family with a hardworking, square-jawed, quiet Dad, and a strong and charismatic Mom, and two older siblings that he loved, and fought with, and in many ways looked up to for his entire life. There was a small garden out back, near the clothesline, that grew a few things including onions.  My Dad used to talk about growing up and weeding onions, but none of us were ever really able to get any confirmation on that.

We are all good at some things, or as Will Rogers reminded us, “ignorant on some things”. And my Dad was good at having fun, and finding mischief, and relating to people, and dreaming, and adventures.  He wasn’t necessarily great at following rules, or following footsteps….but he had a massive curiosity, and a vision of conquering the world that didn’t involve working at Uncle Dave’s grocery store, or weeding onions.  As Mary mentioned….at one point he thought he might want to be a cowboy…and odd vocation for someone who wasn’t familiar with horses, and didn’t even like to be out in the rain!

But then my Dad met my mom, and he knew he was in fact ready to conquer the world.  So they packed up their bronze Ford station wagon, and headed off, first to New Mexico, later around the country, and eventually around the world.  You don’t go from selling socks in a small Midwest department store, to being a senior exec of a Fortune 500 company unless you have 3 things in your suitcase…..some impressive God-given gifts, incredible drive, and an amazing partner whose strength and will and faith matches your own.   You have to be someone special, with someone special by your side. 

JCPenneys was always a part of my Dad, and my Dad was always a part of JCPenneys…referring to the company with the pronoun “We” up until the day he left us.

But although Paul achieved great things in his career, he would be quick to tell you his greatest achievement was his family.  Which, interestingly enough, was perfect!  And the good news is that you didn’t even have to ask him….he would willingly tell you that.  No known flaws!  

My Dad had many talents, and he gave me much more than just his name.  He was funny, inquisitive, determined, a great dreamer (North Dakota sailboat magazine story), and he interviewed everyone whether they were a Senator, or the gardener….He also knew how to laugh at himself…. (Kalamazoo CC golf story….first tee ball shanked into the Pro Shop, with members and the Head Pro diving for cover.)

But we all know life is short, whether we pass away at 8, or 84.  And we all have some sorrow today.  I miss my Dad today.  This will be the first Father’s Day I have had without my Father.  The only way to take sorrow out of death…. is to take love out of living.  If we just had a little better perspective, the reality of death would never be able an unwelcome visitor.  But as the Apostle Paul said in one of his letters to the Corinthians “For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then…face to face.(1 Cor 13:12). If we could see Dad today, and watch his joyful reunions on the other side of the veil, we would see what the Psalmist saw who wrote  “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Ps. 116:15.)

With that assurance, family and friends, we should keep those best parts of my father in our hearts when we drive away today, some sorrow no doubt still lingering.  We should dream big and cherish life.  We don’t cheat death by living longer; we cheat life by living well and living fully!  We should be curious.  We should interview kings and servants, and recognize those titles for the counterfeit labels that they are.  We should love our families and friends, and think them perhaps even better than they are in reality.   Then, even the anticipation of death will never hold us hostage.  Remember my father as that adventurer, that dreamer, that little boy who wanted to become a cowboy…… and in his own way and in our eyes, became one.

To all of us today, and especially to my Mom, who for 61 years has personified service and loving someone “for better or worse, for sickness and in health”…I TESTIFY  that we can depend on the Savior when he said..”I will not leave you comfortless.  I will comfort you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me. Because I live, ye shall live also.”(John 14: 18-19. )   We must believe the Son of God, when he stared into the tear-filled eyes of Martha as she mourned the death of her brother Lazarus….when He said…… “I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”(John 11:25.)

 This I pray for all of us, and in remembrance of my Dad, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen.

It‘s difficult to summarize a person’s life.  My Dad use to always say that if you want to understand someone you need to know where they came from and their journey along the way.  I think the best way to describe my Dad’s life is not to tell you where he’s been or what he’s done but to tell you how he lived his life.

He was a self-made man and self-reliant.

You will probably never meet another man;

More confident without being arrogant, 

More opinionated but quick to welcome an opposing view,

More proud but also humble.

He never took himself too seriously.  His self effacing humor would always make me laugh and with tongue in cheek he would often say- “It is really difficult to be humble when you’re perfect in every way. Doesn’t everybody love a Leonard?”

He was loyal and faithful.  You could always see his faith demonstrated by his great love for our family and my Mom.  He cherished and respected her.  His love and deep friendship for her and for our family remained strong and consistent for over 61 years.   I have learned what it means to be loyal from him. 

He was born and raised in a small town called Plainview, Minnesota with a population of under 1200 people.  Even though he was from a small town, he had a global view of the world and an open mind that very few people possess.    There really wasn’t any topic that he couldn’t or wouldn’t discuss.  He loved discussing politics, religion and any current issues.  His finest hour would be a room filled with thought provoking ideas.  He would love to play the devil’s advocate to ensure that he understood every side of an issue and to make sure that it was thoroughly explored and understood.  He had a moral compass that was unshakable and never feared an opinion.  He believed an opinion that was different from his own presented an opportunity to stay in touch with the world around him and keep him grounded. My Dad taught me the importance of objectivity and imagination.   

He was a child of the Great Depression which gave him an understanding of the value of money.  However, he was never stingy and didn’t covet it.  He relished the good things in life; fine food, travel, and good cheer with family and friends.  The generosity he expressed with his money matched the generosity of his spirit. 

He always admired and appreciated the beauty in life; whether it was the view from a hillside, a sunset, a good looking woman or the ocean…he would always pause and appreciate the view.  He loved to “people watch” at an airport, in a lobby or in a restaurant.  He’d always say “I wonder where they are going.”  He was a great dreamer and a good storyteller.  He taught me how to dream….and to always dream BIG.

He was diagnosed a few years ago with Hydrocephleus which threw his balance off and lead gradually to a slow decline in his mind and body.  It was difficult to watch his sharp mind fade out.  I use to call him to check in daily and visit as often as I could. He’d always ask me about the weather and would remind me that in his opinion we were so lucky to live in the two greatest places in the world; California and Arizona.  I will always miss the sound of his voice.

He went in to home hospice on Oct. 31st of last year. We were so blessed to have the opportunity to say a long “goodbye” to him.  I know on some level he was aware and pleased to be visited and to hear from so many of you in these last few months perhaps that’s what made him thrive for so long. 

 As I said in the beginning, I would have to say that it is not what he did in his life but how he lived it.  He was honest, hard working, loyal, loving…He was authentic and a man of integrity.

He moved through the world with an unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace. I loved him and I know he loved me. I will profoundly miss him but he will always gallop through my mind and my heart.   

God has just reclaimed a very good man and he will always be the rainbow that crosses over my clouds. 

 Godspeed, Dad! 

XXOO,
Mary