LEONARD, Richard William
Richard William Leonard, 47 of Lawrence, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 9, 2009 at his home. Rick, as he was known by most everyone, was born October 17, 1961 in Paw Paw, the son of Dale and Yvonne (Goodrich) Leonard. He was a very loving husband and father, who loved his Lord. Rick was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge 119 F & AM in Lawrence, was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed being in the woods and was a diehard Detroit Tiger fan. Rick married the former Sherry Ekstrom on May 23, 1981 and she survives, along with twins, Tony Leonard of Portage and Abby Leonard of Lawrence and a son, Billy Leonard of Lawrence. Rick is also survived by his father, Dale Leonard of Hartford and a sister, Cindy (Jerry) Birmele of Hartford. Rick was preceded in passing by his mother, Yvonne Leonard on March 23, 2005 and a sister, Penny Patterson on July 1, 2006. The family will welcome friends from 6 to 8 PM, Monday, January 12, with Masonic Rites being held at 7 PM, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor Rick's memory will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, January 13 at the funeral home. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated Church will be the officiant. Rick will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in Rick's name be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.
CALVIN FUNERAL HOME
269-621-4101
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 1/10/2009 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection)