Obituary - Thomas Leo Leonard

Thomas Leo Leonard of Havre, MT, 65, passed away Jan. 14, 2018, after a long battle with cancer.

Tom was born Dec. 22, 1952, in Rugby, ND, to Leo Leonard and Albina (Lafrance) Warp. Tom met Susie Brough in Havre, MT, and they were united in marriage in 1976 and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.

Tom grew up on a farm in Rolette, ND, and attended school in Rolette until 1965. He then moved to Havre and attended Havre Public Schools for two years. In 1967, he moved back to Rolette, where he graduated from Rolette High School in 1970.

Tom was in the U.S. Marines from 1970 to 1973, where he spent time in the South China Sea, Japan, Singapore, Cuba and Vietnam. He was honored with the National Defense Service medal and Vietnam Service medal. After being honorably discharged from the service, he moved back to Havre, where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad as an electrician from 1973 until he retired as a foreman in 2013.

Tom loved the farm life and in 1982 he and Susie bought land east of Havre, where they lived and farmed for over 35 years. In his spare time, he loved to camp, hunt and fish, especially deep-sea fishing in Cabo San Lucas and Alaska with his good buddies Bill Kuhn and Dave Vaughn and nephew Scott Stremcha. He also enjoyed doing metal artwork where he created beautiful lawn and wall ornaments for his family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Leo Leonard.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 41 years, Susie; daughters, Jennifer (Josh) Granell of Havre and Jessica Leonard of Phoenix, AZ; two beautiful grandchildren, Mesa and Marlee Granell of Havre; his mother, Albina Warp of Glendale, AZ; his brothers, Don (Diane) Leonard of Lacey, WA, and Terry Leonard (Cindy Kimberling) of Havre, MT; sisters, Darlene Howard of Peoria, AZ, Laurel Jasinski of Phoenix, AZ, Kari (Dwayne) Pattterson of Post Falls, ID, and Kathy (Mike) Sardina of Glendale, AZ.

At Tom's request he has been cremated and no service will be held, but a celebration of life will be held at the Elks Jan. 20 from noon to 4.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bear Paw Hospice or a charity of your choice.