William 'Bill' Earl Leonard, 72

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 L. Leonard Sr. and Thelma Richards Leonard of Chinook. A memorial service to celebrate Bill s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the Whitefish United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave., in Whitefish, with refreshments to follow. Bill was a spirited youth who caused his parents considerable grief along with abundant joy. He anchored the line of the Chinook Sugarbeaters championship football team in 1955 and was president of the Chinook High School student council. Bill relished the challenge of scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and attending the 1953 National Jamboree in California. These early leadership achievements earned Bill a nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy, but color blindness precluded him from matriculating. Bill attended Montana State University in the late 1950s and later graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor s degree in business administration. While at MSU, Bill pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In 1974 he completed his formal education with a master s degree in education administration from the University of Southern California. In 1959 Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and later graduated from Officer Candidate School. Commissioned a second lieutenant of artillery, Bill served a distinguished career with assignments in Japan, Vietnam, Germany and numerous 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 2 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, managed the Whitefish Water and Sewer District and served as a rural water and waste water consultant for the Midwest Assistance Partnership in Montana. His involvement in the latter two organizations complimented Bill s interest in improving his community and the environment. Throughout his life Bill had a love for the great outdoors which passed from his father and he, in turn, passed on to his sons. Hunting, fishing and camping were Bill s passions. He generously supported the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other outdoor-oriented organizations. Montana occupied a special place in Bill s heart. Some of his favorite places included his boyhood home of Chinook, Blaine County and the Bear Paw Mountains. Summers spent on Whitefish Lake and in Glacier Park endeared him to the northwest, where Ruth and he established their permanent home upon his retirement from the U.S. Army. Most recently, Bill and Ruth found beauty and tranquility in the Big Hole valley of southwest Montana. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Chinook, the Whitefish chapter of Rotary International and the Whitefish United Methodist Church. He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 40 years; son, Kevin and wife, Trudy of Stafford, Va.; son, Shawn and wife, Heather and grandchildren, Talon and Ea Rose of Valrico, Fla.; brother, Richard and wife, Ann of Albuquerque, N.M.; brother, Edward and wife, Peggy of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and lifelong friend, Gary Mick Morris. In lieu of flowers, Bill s family recommends a contribution in his honor be made to the Whitefish United Methodist Church, P.O. 4248, Whitefish, MT 59937; or the Blaine County Wildlife Museum, P.O. 304, Chinook, MT 59523. Austin Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill s family.