JOHN "JACK" LEEMING

JOHN "JACK" LEEMING "A beautiful father my Father, - he lives in me." John "Jack" Leeming, always a gentleman, passed away peacefully, April 6, 2018, at age 84. In his final days, he was surrounded by loved ones who were telling family stories. He also made them smuggle a cocktail, apple pie and top-shelf ice cream into the hospital (don't try and bring him the generic kind). His wife, Margaret, was watching and laughing along, from above. Jack was born November 17, 1933, in Butte, Montana, to William and Lillian Leeming, the second youngest of seven children. Raised in Butte, Montana, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Mary Crowley, in 1953. After serving two years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in San Bernadino, California, Jack and his family returned to Butte, where he worked on the railroad. In 1959, Jack moved his family to Las Vegas where, over the next seven years, he worked at the Stardust, Flamingo and International Hotels. In 1966, he opened, and for the next 25 years, managed the Keno game at Caesars Palace. Although Jack was a successful hotel executive, he was best known for being an involved, loving father of his six children, Renae, John (Laura), Jim (Patti), Joe (Annette), Tom (Tracey) and Don (Jennifer). Vacations to Montana, picnics at Tule Springs, coaching his sons in basketball and playing softball with them when they grew older (not to mention tipping a few beers at Shakey's), are just a few of Jack's remembrances. His children and their friends, as well as extended family were always gathering for a backyard barbeque by the pool. In addition to his sense of humor, he passed along his love for games to his children and grandchildren, from card games, to board games, Jack took them all seriously. Jack embraced everyone as a friend. His home was one where everyone was welcome, and no one was a stranger for long. After Jack's wife, Margaret, passed away in 2000, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he lived with his daughter, Renae, for four years. It was then he met Arlene Nabseth, his loving companion, of 13 years. He and Arlene kept each other active playing golf, Wii tennis and living like "Snowbirds" following the warm weather to Arizona each year. Jack is survived by his two brothers, Tom and Pete. Jack's legacy includes his six children; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, one of whom was born April 6. Jack said he would give the newest family addition, George, a high-five as they passed. Visitation begins at noon Friday, April 20, with Memorial Mass following at 1 p.m., both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1811 Pueblo Vista Drive. Celebration of life following at Don and Jennifer Leeming's home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Nathan Adelson Hospice.