William (Bill) George Leonard

William (Bill) Leonard went to heaven peacefully in his sleep on June 13th.

Bill was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on February 3rd, 1928, to George and Frances Leonard. He entered the Navy in 1946, and spent three years at Tongue Point. While stationed in Astoria he met a young lady at a Methodist youth event. On July 25th, 1947, he married her. He always jokingly said that he was “shanghaied in Astoria.” Edna L. Johansen Leonard was the love of his life for over 65 years, until her passing on April 18th of this year.

Bill worked on the Lewis and Clark Boom for over 36 years, and then another five years at the Warrenton Mill. After he retired, he volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for 16 years. He also picked up food for the Food Bank for seven years.

Anyone who knew Bill knew of his love for music. When he was just five years old, his grandfather taught him to play the harmonica. He was quite accomplished at this instrument. He often played it in church, and in several bands around the area, and played in nursing and retirement homes for over twenty years.

God gave Bill an absolutely gorgeous tenor singing voice. He sang in the Methodist Church choir for many years, and sang countless solos and duets in churches, at weddings and at funerals. He continues to pass along his gift of music even to his great-grandchildren, and it will continue beyond even them.

Both Bill and Edna loved playing pinochle. They especially loved playing with their family, no matter if there were three, four, five or six available. They also played at the Retirement Village every Monday afternoon.

Surviving him are his children Bill Leonard (Linda) of Albany, Oregon, Katherine Boyer (Rick) of Chinook, Washington, Ken Leonard (Pat) of Meridian, Idaho, and Gregory Leonard of Astoria, Oregon; sister-in-law Marjorie Smith of Madras, Oregon; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild “on the way”; and many other family members.

Bill was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Edna; parents George and Frances; brothers and sisters, Charles Leonard, George Leonard, James Leonard, Grace Nichols, and Marie Harvey.

A Celebration of Life service will take place Monday, June 24th, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Astoria, Oregon, where they attended for over 65 years. A reception will follow. There will be a Full Honor Guard graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery at 4 p.m.

Contributions may be made to the Clatsop County Food Bank in memory of Bill.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at: www.caldwellsmortuary.com