Bill Leonard

Bill Leonard passed away peacefully at his home in Whitefish on Oct. 21, 2010, with his family by his side.

He was born Sept. 28, 1938, in Havre to Edward Leonard Sr. and Thelma Richards Leonard, of Chinook. A spirited youth who caused his parents considerable grief along with abundant joy, Bill anchored the line of the Chinook Sugarbeaters championship football team in 1955 and was president of the Chinook High School student council.

Bill attained the rank of Eagle Scout and attended the 1953 National Jamboree in California. He earned a nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy, but color blindness precluded him from matriculating. He attended Montana State University in the late 1950s and graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s in business administration. He got his master’s in education administration from the University of Southern California in 1974.

Bill enlisted in the Army in 1959 and was commissioned a second lieutenant of artillery. He served a distinguished career with assignments in Japan, Vietnam, Germany and  stateside postings, culminating at Fort Ord, Calif., where he retired at the rank of major in 1978. For valor in combat, Bill earned the Bronze Star with V device and two Oak Leaf Clusters.

While an ROTC instructor at South Dakota State University, Bill met his lifelong companion and soul mate Ruth Wilson. They were married in Brookings, S.D., on May 30, 1970.

Following military service and tenure with the Burlington Northern Railroad, Bill owned and operated two businesses. He helped create the Whitefish Water and Sewer District in 1982 and then managed it. He also served as a rural water and wastewater consultant for the Midwest Assistance Partnership in Montana.

Bill’s involvement in the latter two organizations complimented his interest in improving his community and the environment. For that, the Whitef ish Lake Institute honored Bill with the organization’s first Lifetime Achievement award in January 2009.

Throughout his life, Bill had a love for the great outdoors, which passed from his father and on to his sons. Hunting, fishing and camping were his passions, and he generously supported the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other outdoor-oriented organizations.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Chinook, the Whitefish chapter of Rotary International and the Whitefish United Methodist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and lifelong friend Gary Morris.

He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 40 years; son Kevin Leonard and wife Trudy, of Stafford, Va.; son Shawn Leonard and wife Heather and their children Talon and Ea Rose, of Valrico, Fla.; brother Richard Leonard and wife Ann, of Albuquerque, N.M.; brother Edward Leonard and wife Peggy, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at the Whitefish United Methodist Church on Oct. 27, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Whitefish United Methodist Church, P.O. 4248, Whitefish MT 59937 or Blaine County Wildlife Museum, P.O. 304, Chinook MT 59523.