M. Leon Waldron

M. Waldron Obituary

M. Leon "Lee" Waldron passed away suddenly at age 56, on Thursday, August 26, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. Lee will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend, as well as a hero to those whose lives he saved over the years.

He had an extraordinary passion to help and serve others. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 37 years, Lee was a humble and faithful servant of God. He served as a member of the bishopric, a Young Mens teacher, and a Boy Scout leader. As a US Army Chief Warrant Officer (CW4), Lee served his country for 20+ years as a helicopter pilot and flight instructor. Upon retiring from the US Army, Lees work was dedicated to saving lives as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopter pilot for AirCare, and then LifeNet.

Lee adored and cherished his family above all else. When he wasnt saving the lives of others, he was touching his familys lives with his sincerity, compassion and understanding, his sweet smile and infectious laugh, his passion for all things outdoors, his ability to illuminate the way for those who sought guidance, and his outpouring of love that seemed to know no bounds. He will be truly missed.

Lee is predeceased by his son, William E. Waldron (August 2000), and his father, Melvin L. Waldron (May 2008). He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Susan Waldron; his sons, Peter Waldron (Melissa), Casey Waldron, and Steven Waldron; his daughters, Kirsten Van Detta (Darrick) and Jami Fergie (Mathew); his mother, Pat Murray (Ed); his brothers, Jack D. Waldron (Alice) and Charles Waldron (Linda); his sisters, Delores Poole, Shirley Wiley (Charles), and Dana Waldron; his many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his pride and joy, his ten beautiful grandchildren.

His memory will be honored on Saturday, September 4, 2010, 9:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, West Stake Center, 3530 West Magee Road., Tucson, Arizona 85741. Interment will follow at the Binghampton Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona, where full military honors will be accorded. The Lee Waldron Charitable Trust has been established for the purpose of raising relief funds for the Foyer Coin de Cieux orphanage in Haiti, which will receive 100% of the proceeds. Donations can be made to Wells Fargo routing number 122105278, account number 7937720899, in Lee's name. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.

Published in the Tucson Newspapers on 9/1/10.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for M. Waldron

14 Entries

Thomas Anderson

June 19, 2011

Lee was my roommate in flight school. He was directly responsible for me graduating. He had a photographic memory and me I had to read everything three times. He drilled me constantly. I never had to drill him. Both being from Oregon but me being older by six years played the baritone horn in high school. We both had the same band master (Ted Marshall) but I was from Astoria, and he was from Sweet Home, I just found out about his passing today on Fathers Day 2011. It is with great sorrow. We were the best of friends and after flight school are careers went in different directions. I also retired as a CW4 in 1996. I owe a lot to his persistence to see that ingratiated with him. He always brought me a coke when he went to the coke machine to get a non caffeine soda!! He bought me a ton of 'em. He was a great friend. Always hoped we be together again. The chain on earth is broken but there be another link in heaven! Thomas Anderson

Derek Brown

February 15, 2011

Waldron Family, I was a flight nurse with Lee for many years working for Aircare. What an honor to know him as a person and a friend. Lee always wanted to help us with pt care and essentially do whatever needed to be done to help those in desperate trouble. We enjoyed great meals and fun times when not flying. He was a great leader, manager and example to young staff. He will be missed, I am sorry for your loss.
Derek Brown

Jack Waldron

September 5, 2010

Uncle I'll never get to talk to you about hovering for the first time like we talked last time nor will you be there when I earn my wings as a helicopter pilot but I know you will be with me in spirit. I'll miss your laugh but I'll miss the way my dad was when he knew he was going hunting with his little brother. God bless you and tell grandpa and Willie I love them.

September 4, 2010

My deepest sympathy to you, Casey, along with the rest of your family. Ruth Paulson

Karen Fredrickson

September 3, 2010

The Fredrickson's send their love and prayers to you all. Lee will be deeply missed by many. We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Karen, David, Kelly, Danielle, Zachary, Mark, Andrew. Salem, Oregon

Julie Thayer

September 3, 2010

My thoughts are with you, Sue, at this very difficult time.
Julie Thayer

Sean McMillan

September 2, 2010

I hold Lee in the highest regards with much respect. Not only in the service he gave in his vocation, but also the way he raised his children and their influence in my life. I greatly treasure their friendship and owe him a debt of gratitude for his influence upon them. You will be missed.

September 1, 2010

Waldron Family,

Words can't express the sorrow that you must be feeling. May you have the comfort of knowing what a wonderful person Leon was and the positive ways he had on so many lives. May God Bless your family and help you through your time of need.

Aunt Betty and family

September 1, 2010

Margie and I are very saddened by your loss. Lee and I worked at the WAATS and I always enjoyed his company and camaraderie. Our blessings to the family and friends.

Dale and Marge Brown
Mesa, AZ

Brenda (Bishop) Davis

September 1, 2010

Waldron Family,

We are so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our prayers and thoughts go out to your family.

Brenda Davis
(a Butterfield Family)

Kathryn Waldron

September 1, 2010

Uncle Leon. What an amazing love everyone has for you. Incredible honor is bestowed and I value the way you chose to spend your days with us. What a GREAT MAN. A sincere, gentle WARMEST hearted man. I hope you can see all the day to day love and praise you recieve from everyone. I can only hope you knew how adored and cherished you are. A good man, like yourself, is never forgotten or undervalued. Continue to be with your family and help them along as they hurt without your physical guidance. I can't wait to see your beautiful farewell send off that every one of your children is taking part of, to make sure the world knows how important you are and how amazing its been to have you here. So grateful and blessed to have you as my Uncle...Goodbye for now.

Greg Chmara

September 1, 2010

Lee was my Scout leader and friend, I learned more from him then I could ever share in a posting here. His example was one that helps guide me in my daily life.

Mike Ogletree

September 1, 2010

To the Waldron family,

Lee was one of the few really good men I have met in my life. He loved his family very much. A great pilot that alway's made me feel safe when I flew with him. A pleasure to work with. He would never use profanity's even at my encouragement and his attempt to was something more related to Disney. His faith will take care of him now. Travel well Lee.

Peg/John Lewis

September 1, 2010

We are so sad! It was way too soon. Our thoughts have been with you constantly these past days. How we wish we could add our hugs to the thousands of others! We have a sweet memory of Lee showing his helicopter to the young scouts with great enthusiasm. That event opened our eyes to the great work he did providing a life-saving service just about every day. How many can that be said of? We have so many memories of Lee: he was a fixture in our lives for years. When will we ever learn not to take the lives of those around us for granted? His passing has taught us to treasure the moments. Peace be with you. With love...

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results