Howard Michael Leeds

1919 - 2017

June 27, 1919 - February 11, 2017 Howard Leeds passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2017 after a long-term illness. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Joan. He was 97 years old. Howard was born on June 27, 1919 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to parents Natalie Goldman and Michael Goldstein. Howard and his parents immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, California. In 1932 Howard acted in a Sherlock Holmes film and production at the Hollywood Bowl. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1937 and went on to serve as a Sergeant in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He returned from the war and went to work at MGM studios where he learned the behind-the-scenes craft of television. Over the past sixty-seven years, Howard had been involved with television's most successful series, producing and writing hundreds of shows for both film and tape. He served as executive producer and head writer for The Brady Bunch, Different Strokes, and The Ghost of Mrs. Muir, and developed the hit series Facts of Life, Small Wonder and co-created Silver Spoons. His keen sense of humor and writing skills lead to many variety specials for top name stars, including Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, George Gobel, Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, and Benny Hill. Howard's work spanned from the fields of drama, mystery, comedy and musical variety. He worked in both the United States and abroad, including projects in England, France, Switzerland, and Australia. In his free time, Howard was an avid fisherman who made regular trips to Mexico, loved time on the golf course at Riviera Country Club, and traveling the world with his family and friends. Howard is survived by the love of his life and wife Joan Hajny-Leeds. He is also survived by his son, John Hajny, his daughter-in-law Kim Hajny and his two grandchildren Jenna and Erin Hajny.