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Raymond Leonard Obituary
February 2, 1015
Raymond Edwin Leonard, 87, of Pittsford, VT, died at his home in Fort Myers on February 2. He had been experiencing declining health for several years.
Ray Leonard graduated from Pittsford High School, Paul Smith's College, and the University of Vermont. He earned a Master's Degree at Helsinki University on a Fulbright Scholarship and graduate degrees from Yale University and Syracuse University.
Ray's love of the outdoors was evident throughout his life. He worked a forester for Vermont Forest and Parks and as a research ecologist for the USDA and the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. He formed his own consulting firm and worked throughout the U.S. His assignments included serving as interim director of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and interim President of Sterling College in Vermont. His retirement years were also filled with travel and adventure. An avid seaman despite his never learning how to swim, Ray lived on board his sailboat, S.V. Satori, from 1985 until 2000. Ray and the Satori both survived the notorious Halloween Storm, also known as The Perfect Storm, of October 1991
Ray is survived by his former wife, Nancy Leonard, of Dover, NH, and his son, Kent Leonard, daughter-in-law, Laura Miller, and grandson, Nick Leonard, of Andover, MA. His other son, Peter Leonard, predeceased him.
A gathering to celebrate Ray's life will be held at a later time. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Maclure Library in Pittsford.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Leonard
Rick Stevens & Liz Falvey
February 2, 2023
We miss Ray, our great friend and sailing buddy for many years. He introduced us in June of 1992, leading to our marriage four months later. We sailed together on Satori, Karma & Sorceress, and loved following his many post-retirement adventures. Ray was among the best sailors out there, a dedicated environmentalist and academic, a fun conversationalist and a true adventurer at heart. We miss you.
Rays Hiking boot taken in Vermont 2008
Sharon Norris
September 1, 2015
Ray Glenn and I miss you so much. You were more than a friend to us.
Sharon and Glenn Norris
Nancy Sweeney
February 21, 2015
Ray was the best boss and friend anyone could ask for. I worked for him while he served as Interim President at Sterling College. I learned a lot about life from Ray and we remained friends since that time. I will cherish our many telephone conversation, his sense of humor, and his sage advice. It is a very sad day. I love you, Ray.
Nancie Pelliccio
February 13, 2015
Ray I will miss our daily visits, especially our neighborhood watch. You were a wonderful friend. I will miss you.
Brad Robinson
February 12, 2015
As the father of my best friend, Ray was like a third parent for me. As a kid, I ate up his stories of adventure, loved his sense of humor, and still remember some of his wood splitting tips. It saddens me to think that this free spirit is no longer with us.
Rick & Liz Stevens
February 9, 2015
Our close friend for decades, whose Perfect Storm brought us together. Time spent with Ray was always in spirited company; he could talk about most anything with humor and wisdom. Wishing you fair winds and following seas, Ray. You will be dearly missed.
Jim Crevelling
February 9, 2015
Leonard Family,
Ray was a boss, a friend, a fellow PSC Alumni and a lover of the fields and forests. Ray underwrote my Master's Research through the USFS while at ESF in Syracuse.. We shared laughs and beers and war stories on different trails at different times. He was a role model and thinker. A laugher and a drinker. RIP Ray.
Ross Morgan
February 9, 2015
Ray Leonard was just one of the finest people I ever met, encouraging and serious, but never taking himself that seriously. There are a bunch of us who would quality as Ray disciples, and we will tell his stories as long as we can.
Doug and Colleen Johnson
February 8, 2015
Ray! Doug and I will miss you so much. We are really glad we were in your life even if it was a short time. It's hard to see your house everyday and you are not on the porch.You were the most sensitive and caring person. We loved ya! Miss Ya!!
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