H. Leo Priest

H. Leo Priest

Palm Springs - H. Leo Priest, of Palm Springs, son of Harry L. Priest and Lola (Glenn) Priest, passed away peacefully, August 3, 2018. Leo was 97 years young and a native of San Diego, where he grew up and graduated from San Diego High. He is survived by; his sister Betty Pontius, his 5 children, Jeffery Priest, Janet Reulman, Jennifer Hudson, Jo Barber, and Jamie Reulman, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, all of whom adore him!

With a background in newspaper advertising, Leo moved to Palm Springs, along with his beloved wife Grace, and children in 1962, to rejoin his Publisher, Carl Shoose, of the Desert Sun Newspaper, in Palm Springs. It was at, The Desert Sun, where Leo's career sky rocketed! He was, four times elected to The Desert Press Club, active in the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce as a Charter Member, and Life Palm Springs Ambassador. Additionally, Leo enjoyed the honor of being elected, 'Palm Springs Rotarian of the Year', 1972~73, and was presented the, 'Man of the Year Award, 1974', by the Desert Press Club.

Among the above listed accomplishments, Leo was a Pearl Harbor Survivor! Working as a cartographer, for The National Guard, he was at Pearl Harbor the day of the surprise attack. Leo held accurate and vivid memories of the historic day. He has provided countless interviews to the press, local media and a major contributor to, "Deceit At Pearl Harbor, From Pearl Harbor to Midway, by Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Lands USNR (ret.) and Staff Sgt. Rex Gunn USAR (ret.). He was most proud too, of serving locally in, The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Chapter 21.

Leo was also a very talented artist with his drawings and paintings. He enjoyed writing to his friends and pen pals all over the world, listening to classical music, and dancing with his adoring wife, Grace. One of Leo's most cherished joys were visiting with his neighbors and meeting every day folks he'd run into throughout the day; Leo loved Life and people!

Not only was he an honored national hero, is was to many, 'Our own personal hero'! Mr. Priest, ('Daddy', 'Pops', 'A most gentle man'), will be sorely missed by his many, many dear friends and family, yet we find comfort in knowing that he is indeed in Heaven and listening to the most perfect rendition, of one of his favorite songs, "It's a Wonderful World"!

In lieu of flowers, please offer your donations to, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 1(760) 416-5718. Services will be held at, Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, Ca. 92518 Tuesday, August 21, at 10:00 a. m.