Leonard George Hearst

HEARST, LEONARD GEORGE Leonard George Hearst, 89, of Escondido died on December 4, 2009. Len was a truly fine example of America's Greatest Generation. A loving husband and father, he will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Constance Irene Hearst and their four sons Michael, Kevin, Dennis and Terry. Leonard is also survived by 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom attended Len and Connie's 65th wedding anniversary this year. Born in San Francisco on November 19, 1920, Len was an avid cycling enthusiast his whole life. An accomplished long distance rider from his teens, he completed a 200 mile challenge with his sons at age 54. Quietly proud of his military service, 1st Lt Hearst piloted multi-engine aircraft for the Army Air Forces over The Hump in the China-Burma-India theater of World War II. After the war, Len and Connie moved to Southern California where he managed and owned three Hans Ohrt Lightweight Bicycles stores in Beverly Hills, Westwood and Los Angeles from 1950 to 1984. They were active members of Good Shepherd Catholic Parish in Beverly Hills for 40 years and Len was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus. After retirement, Len and Connie moved to Escondido in 1990, becoming quite active with St. Timothy's Catholic Parish. Len took up skiing in his late 40's and they owned a second home in Mammoth Lakes, CA for over 30 years. Len became an expert skier and skied with all his grandchildren before hanging up his skis at age 82. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Church of St. Timothy, 2960 Canyon Road, Escondido at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18th. Military interment will be at noon on Monday, December 21st at Riverside National Cemetery.