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LAUREN LEONARD Obituary

LEONARD, LAUREN "SKIP" July 15, 1949 to January 14, 2012 The family of Lauren "Skip" Leonard is saddened by the sudden loss of a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Skip Leonard was born in San Diego on July 15, 1949. He graduated Crawford High School before attending University of California, Berkeley on a football scholarship. He then went on to law school at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Skip had a successful career of over 25 years in Taco Bell Corporation's Real Estate department. Throughout the years, he has been active in the Dana Point Outrigger Canoe Club and has also coached football at CVCS and St. Margaret's School. His life was filled with duck hunting, fishing, diving, biking, traveling, and ocean life restoration with organizations including Trout Unlimited and Abalone Restoration. Skip's infectious laugh, smile and continuous positive light brought good energy to all around him. He made everything better just being in his presence. Skip is survived by his wife Carmen, son Lucas, parents Ann and Leo, and sister Lisa and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday, January 21st, at the Orange County Sailing and Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, CA 92629 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, send donations to DOCC, 1612 Via Tulipan, San Clemente, CA 92673.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jan. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for LAUREN LEONARD

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February 21, 2012

February 21, 2012

February 21, 2012

Larry Forest

February 21, 2012

For those who don't know me, my name is Larry Forest. I'm probably Skip's oldest friend. We met when our families settled in the San Diego community of Del Cerro in 1959-60. You can do the math; I've known Skip for over 50 years. we were on the same Little League team; my father managed; Skip's dad coached; Skip was the catcher; I pitched. This was our bonding experience. Most of my early memories of Skip trace to our adolescence, a stage not known for civility or compassion. Teenagers can be cruel. But Skip was never like that. He was popular; on the high school football team; a big man on campus. He could have distanced himself from the rank and file and put on airs. But he didn't. More than anyone else I know, Skip was open to all as potential friend. And many, attracted by his engaging personality and zest for life, became his friend. It remains a mystery to me what made Skip who he was. I wish I knew the formula. But I can point to one thing. He lived by the golden rule, treating people as he woujld like to be treated. His mom and dad deserve much credit for this.

Dennis&Peggy Finger

February 5, 2012

Godspeed Skip: A devoted and caring husband, father, son and brother. Loved telling stories about his mom and dad. Carmen, Skip and Lucas were an unbeatable team. Big Guy, Big Kid, Big Heart. One of a kind. We're better for having known him. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Karin Vega

February 2, 2012

I remember Skip as the life of any gathering. Always had a smile to share. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I wish for all his wonderful family, an ability to smile at the happy memories.

A Taco Bell reunion at ICSC Vegas.

Stella Martinez

January 24, 2012

I am deeply saddened to learn of Skip Leonard's passing and I would like to express my condolences to all his family, friends, and colleagues. We all looked up to Skip at Taco Bell in the real estate department, he was a real trooper, continually coming through for the company in a pinch, and totally dependable. It was always great seeing him at ICSC and at the Taco Bell reunions, as the years passed, and we all went our separate ways. He was one of the finest in our profession and will be missed.

MaryJo Fuller

January 24, 2012

I felt compelled to write a quick note, and send my sincere condolences to Carmen, Luke and family. I was a former student of Carmen's, and knew back then, next to a great woman, had to be a great man! I met him once while he was coaching his girls paddling team, and remember how BIG his smile was! I lost my older sister suddenly right after Christmas, so my heart can relate to your sadness. I hope he has safely landed after his journey.... In My Thoughts, MaryJo

Darlene Robertson

January 23, 2012

Skip and my dad (Lowell "Butch" Leonard) were cousins. I didn't see Skip often, but I do remember his sense of humor. He loved to tell people he worked at Taco Bell, and then watch for their reaction - just knowing that he was being pictured behind the service counter saying 'May I take your order.' I'm truly saddened by the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out for all who were close to him, especially his immediate family.

Nancy Caruso

January 22, 2012

Someone just informed me of Skip's transition. My love and gratitutde goes out to his family, whom I have never met. I had the gift of working with Skip over the last 10 years through my ocean restoration work with kelp and with abalone. He was nothing but positive energy. Always happy, always giving, always sincere in his actions. He helped me launch Kelpfest two years ago and was instrumental in putting it on each year. I am stunned to hear that he is not physically with us anymore. I pledge to allow his spirit to live through my work to protect and conserve our oceans and to remember to give as he did, with no conditions. I am sad. I will miss him.

Shannon Wagner

January 22, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Skip was such a great guy. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

January 21, 2012

Leo,Ann,Lisa,Carmen and Luke, may the memories you shared help heal the ache in your heart. Skip's infectious smile and wonderful outlook on life will remain with you forever. My prayers are with you all. Rita Leonard

Patricia Erler

January 20, 2012

So sorry life ended to soon. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and fond memories are left behind. Pat Faure Erler

Valerie Kemp

January 20, 2012

Goodbye dear friend, this world will be a little dimmer now that it has lost one of it's stars. You will be terribly missed. Courage to your family
God Bless and God Speed
Valerie Kemp

January 20, 2012

To a dear friend and wonderful mentor. My heart goes to your family as a special ray of light has left this planet with your departure. You will be truly missed. Your friend always. God Bless
Valerie Kemp

January 20, 2012

Skip always was so good to be around. He always made you feel welcome and made me laugh. My very best to Leo, Ann and Lisa.
God Bless
Cary Nichols

Don Bradbury

January 20, 2012

My heart goes out to you and your family for the great loss that you have experienced.

January 20, 2012

Carmen,
So sorry to hear about Skip. The two of you will be in my prayers.

Mick

Doug Frerich

January 20, 2012

Lisa and Family I know this is a very difficult time for you and your family. My prayers are with you and remembering all the great time that you had with Skip will make it alittle easier. God Bless you all at this time.

Doug Frerich

Kimberly Loupe-Cooper

January 20, 2012

Dearest Lisa and famly, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I know Skip will be greatly missed but never forgotten..... Kimberly Loupe-Cooper (Hewlett-Packard)

Saif Kibriya

January 20, 2012

I also had the privilege of being mentored by coach skip on and at times off the football field. I will never forget all the time, energy, and effort you put into improving, not just my football skills, but also in to developing my character and life skills. I thank you for all that you have done for me and all the other lives you touched. Thank you so much, you will always be in our prayers .. In your honor there will always be.. line pride!

Colfax Selby

January 19, 2012

I played football for Coach Skip when I was in high school. It was truly an honor to get to know and play for such a great man. Will never forget the lessons he taught and examples he set. Miss you Coach - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dale & Denise Leonard

January 19, 2012

Always a highlight of any family gathering was the opportunity to talk with Skip. So many fond memories of family reunions with him, like the time he let me beat him in a pushup competition; without doubt he had the strength of two men! "Bigger than life" is a common thread with all who describe him, and even that doesn't do him justice. He had a heart of gold, a true love of life, and a permanent smile. Skip, you always were an inspiration, and I will forever treasure the moments we spent together.

Carmen, Luke, Leo, Ann and Lisa: may you take solace in knowing that Skip had a truly positive impact on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bryan Lanois

January 19, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Lee Havorka

January 19, 2012

Skip, may you sail in calm following sea's in Heaven. Have a great voyage, and sail on!

Jim & Judy Caputo

January 19, 2012

He kept at true good humour's mark
The social flow of pleasure's tide:
He never made a brow look dark,
Nor caused a tear, but when he died.
Aloha and Happy Sails, Skip.

Michael Ace

January 19, 2012

I also grew up with Skip.. We played on rival Little League teams, and played on the same Pop Warner football team. We spent countless hours on the sports fields in Del Cerro with all the other "Del Cerro Boys". I was Skip's classmate in Jr. High a and High School. My best to his parents, and to his family during this very difficult time..

Darlene Booker

January 18, 2012

Skip was a lot of fun back in jr. high and high school, in San Diego. Always a warm smile. All the best to his family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Darlene Booker

January 18, 2012

Skip was a lot of fun back in jr. high and high school, in San Diego.
Always a warm smile. All the best to his family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Judith Pedro

January 18, 2012

Skip was a dear person who helped many with his infectious laugh and positive outlook. He will be missed dearly. Former classmate- Judith Sisler Pedro

January 18, 2012

Skip & I grew up in the Del Cerro area together and he was a good friend during jr. high & high school. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. This was very sad & totally unexpected news. My best to his family during this difficult time. Mike Colburn

Andee Press-Dawson

January 18, 2012

I was friends with Skip since our early days in Del Cerro. He was always so much fun and such a great guy. Even though I have not seen him in so many years, I still smile when I think of him. Andee Press-Dawson (a neighbor on Malvern Court)

January 18, 2012

I'll always remember Skip as someone who enjoyed life and family. I'm glad I was able to share a small portion of it. Scot Washam

Tara Julian

January 18, 2012

I will always remember Skips wonderfully contagious laugh and the ability to capture the room with his presence. My heartfelt prayers to the whole Leonard family during this difficult time. May they find peace, knowing that his angel wings are as wide as he was tall..wrapping them in love and light.

January 18, 2012

I had the honor of being coached by Skip for 2 years at St. Margaret's high school. He was an excellent coach, mentor and overall great person. He brought a contagious positive attitude to practice everyday that made others happy to be around him. Rest in peace Coach.

January 18, 2012

Skip was the cousin of my childhood "best" friend" Marian Leonard Edinger. I remember Skip as always smiling, extremely good natured and just like his size, larger than life. A great guy who will be missed. Cheryl Conde

Lisa Leonard

January 18, 2012

My brother and rock for 52 years I love and miss you so much.

Marian Edinger

January 18, 2012

Skip is my cousin and he was so much fun. He made our family reunions fun along with Carmen. Living in Idaho I have not seen him for years and have missed those times that were so important in our childhood, Carmen, Lucas, Ann, Leo and Lisa I send my prayers that you will get through this. I wish I could be there for the service but it would take a week to make arrangements and drive there. God Bless you. Marian and Jerry

January 18, 2012

So sorry to hear about Skip, always so sad to hear of a young person leaving us. I knew him and his mom and dad from
Del Cerro little league days. My prayers are with the family. Donnie Nichols

Bob Wolpers

January 18, 2012

Skip Leonard. Great, fun guy and I'm gonna miss him.

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