Leonard Melvin Gallivan, 86

After a lengthy and courageous battle in with Parkinson's disease, Leonard Melvin Gallivan “went to be with his Lord and Savior” on Oct. 7, 2012. 

He and his twin sister were born Sept. 13, 1926, to Eugene and Shirley Gallivan, at Huston, Idaho. The third of five children, Leonard grew up in Marsing, Idaho, graduating from high school in 1944. 

In 1945, Leonard enlisted in the Army, serving in World War II until 1947. 

In June of 1947, he married his lifelong sweetheart, Dorothy Lucille Brooks. They were blessed with three children, David (wife Jan) of Riverton, Calif., Bob (wife Sharon) of Boise, Idaho, and Karen (husband Jim) of Kalispell; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

After graduating from Northwest Nazarene College, Leonard went on to serve his Lord by pastoring numerous smaller churches throughout Idaho, Oregon and California. He often pastored small churches that were unable to support a full-time clergy, and supported his family by operating heavy equipment.

After retiring from the ministry, he owned and operated an 18-wheeler, then drove a school bus. He was always active in community service groups, most recently Kalispell Lions Club. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; his wife, Dorothy, in January of 2009; and a great-grandson, Thaddaeus Seeberger, in 2008. 

He is survived by his family noted above; and sisters, Lena Harpham of Pecos, Texas, and Etta Marlin of Bremerton, Wash. 

He had a heart for young pastors and took every opportunity to be a mentor. Even as his health failed, those who knew him commented on his ever-present smile and sweet spirit. He was truly an encourager to the end. 

Grandson-in-law Kyle Worley carried his watch during the coast-to-coast bicycle event, POPS Ride, as a physical representation of his battle against Parkinson's disease. Leonard wore his POPS Ride T-shirt regularly to show his support, as well as his deep appreciation for those participating in the search for a cure for Parkinson's. He will be missed greatly. 

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Kalispell Church of the Nazarene, 1295 Whitefish Stage Road. 

Memorials can be designated for Nazarene Missions.