Leon passed away July 30, 2023.
Leon will join his wife Jill, mother, father, brothers John and Ray, sisters Jane and Linda, and brother-in law Larry Williams in the hereafter. Survivors include daughters Sherry Lead and Tammi DeBoer (DIL) Shellie), son Leon Lead (DIL Kim), grandsons Jason and Caspain, granddaughter Chelsea Lead, great-granddaughter Stella, sisters Cathey McMurray (BIL Kevin McMurray) and Jerry Williams as well as a large number of nieces and nephews.
Leon was born to John William and Alice McClaskey Lead in Portland, Oregon in 1947. He married his high school sweetheart, Jill Lee (McCartney) Lead on May 28, 1966 and they celebrated 53+ years of marriage prior to her death on March 16, 2020.
Leon is a proud graduate of Raymond High School in December 1965. He believed “learning is lifelong” and went back to school to receive an AAS degree from Grays Harbor College in 1999, a BA from The Evergreen State College in 2002, and a MPA from Evergreen in 2004!
Leon worked for Weyerhaeuser for 20 years then began a 25 year career working for agencies that supported dislocated workers. Leon’s passion for people struggling with job loss led him to help create two college programs that taught skills people could use to return to the workforce. These programs helped people retrain in new fields and further their education. The “ Workers in Transition” at Centralia Community College and “New Chance” at Grays Harbor college laid the foundation for students to regain their self-esteem and secure employment in the field of their choice. He was an administrator and faculty member but encouraged his students to call him “Coach”!
He had many partners in his work life but only had two special “Pardners” his mentor Ed Jouper and his BFF Larry W. Williams!
Leon was a life-long learner who had the desire to learn different jobs and how to run all kinds of machinery. He worked 50+ years in multiple professions and thinks he is the inspiration for the movie Forest Gump!
Lip spent his life helping others to receive fair treatment and justice. He is especially proud his family followed in his footsteps and chose careers in the helping professions.
Leon will be remembered for his love of family and life, his willingness to help others, and his generosity to family and friends. He leaves a legacy of life-long learning, compassion, kindness and generosity.
Memorials can be made to your favorite charity. There will be a celebration of life in the spring.
