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Leonard Leiffer Obituary
He was born in Port Orchard, Wash., and moved to Virginia with his family at the age of 8. At 18-years old he was drafted into the army and served his country during WWII. In 1947, he married the love of his life, Margaret Harris who preceded him in death the year of 2000. Leonard retired from Ft. Eustis Transportation School as the First Civilian Training Diesel Master Instructor in 1982. He was a member of the Abingdon Ruritan Club for about 20 years, voted Ruritan Man of the Year in 1995, and was also Grand Marshall of the Guinea Jubliee in 1998.
Leonard was never one to sing his own praises, he was always willing to help so many of the local watermen that depended on his expertise and experience with diesel engines. He was instrumental in bringing the first 'Relay for Life' to Gloucester, devoting much of his life in seeking donations for cancer research. The current 'Relay for Life' team is named, "Speedy Diesel and the Mechanics" in honor of Leonard's devotion to fighting cancer.
Leonard was thoughtful, patient, understanding and he was a testament to the fact that a great father makes all the difference. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the community, who benefited from his wisdom, humor and integrity.
He is survived by two daughters, Dianne Woolley and husband, Rollin and Heidi L. Kay and husband, Joel; one son, Jimmy Leiffer and his wife, Sandra; six grandchildren, Scott and Jeff Leiffer, Julianna and Joshua Woolley, Aislinn and Trevor Kay; two great-grandchildren, Derek and Ranae Leiffer
Funeral services officiated by grandson, the Rev. Joshua Woolley and Edward Ewell will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Interment will follow in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, at the funeral home.
In Leonard's memory, contributions may be given to The Giving Garden Foundation, c/o Stephanie Stewart, P. O. Box 1421, Hayes, VA 23072, a fund benefiting Gloucester cancer patients. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Leiffer
Melynda Dorough
September 18, 2008
Diane,
I am truly sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and keep you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Melynda Dorough
(1st Advantage)
Thomas Duncan
September 17, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Keith and Julie Harris
September 16, 2008
Jimmy, Diane, Heidi and families -
May wonderful memories of your dad and grandad, and the support of each other sustain you during this most difficult time. Leonard and Sister were always very dear to us. You are a very special family and we hold you in our hearts.
Love,
Nelson Ortiz
September 15, 2008
Jimmy, Julianna and family,
It is with deep regret that I hear that Leonard has passed. Please accept my family's condolences. It was an honor to make his adquaintance.
Nelson I Ortiz and family
Brian Morehouse
September 15, 2008
We are really sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Leiffer. Our heart and prayers go out to his family
during this time of need.
God Bless,
Brian & Sharon Morehouse
Little Ray McElligott
September 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sadness. He will be sadly missed.
Dave & Jodey Clements
September 15, 2008
Jimmy, Sandra & Family,
Our hearts are heavy to hear the news of Leonard's passing. It was a blessing and honor for both of us to have had the opportunity to know him. We will never forget sharing fundraiser cookouts with him at Smart Tag and neither of us will forget any times we've shared his smile or kind words.He was a man among men. Please find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and that you never have to say "good-bye", to what in your hearts never leave.
Always, Dave & Jodey Clements
Anne Marie & Marshall
September 15, 2008
Dianne & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your Father's passing, we are so grateful we were able to meet him this year at Relay - he was a wonderfully sweet & funny man & I know you will all miss him. You are in our prayers.
Cathy Beach
September 15, 2008
Dianne, Rolin and family, my prayers are with today and over time as you walk through this difficult time. Remembering sweet times and laughs together. Member of your Lighthouse family.
Cheryl McCoy
September 15, 2008
Jimmy, Sandy, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort during this time of grief. If I can be of any help call. May God go with you. Cheryl
Jeannette Cox
September 15, 2008
He will be missed by so many - he had such a kind, good, and helpful spirit. He is at peace and was welcomed by God and Margaret with open arms.
Cheryl Gibson
September 15, 2008
My thoughts & prayers are with you three & your children. I know how much you will miss your Dad. I know he was a wonderful father, because he was a wonderful uncle. I have a lot of memories of him & Sissy that bring me comfort & make me smile. Love you all, Cheryl
Jordan Marine Service
September 15, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Leonard will be truly missed. Your friends at Jordan Marine Service: Bobby, Eddy, Johnny, Erik, Ray, Julie, Frankie, Betty and Net........
Stephanie Goodrich Palmer
September 15, 2008
Leonard was such a sweet man. I have many fond memories of him and Christine as we were growing up in Gloucester. I can't seem to picture him without a smile on his face. When I last saw him at Dot's birthday party in Richmond, he was still smiling and giving the best hugs. Our prayers are with all of you and we will continue to remember Leonard for all of his many blessings.
Nancy Millikin
September 15, 2008
Dear Diane and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Though I knew your father for only a short time, I quickly realized that he was a man of great caring, endless energy and most certainly a man who could make good things happen. His charm won the love and respect of all who were lucky enough to spend time with him and his passing is a loss to our entire community. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel through this difficult time.
With My Deepest Sympathy,
Nancy Millikin
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