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BORN
1926
DIED
2020
Leonard Kian Obituary
Leonard Kian, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away Sunday, August 9 at age 94.
Leonard was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 22, 1926. He was a long-time resident of Grand Rapids (later moving to the Detroit area), working as the fine jewelry buyer at Wurzburg's Department Store, and later for Meijer, Inc. during the 1960s. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps (predecessor of the U.S. Air Force) in the later months of World War II, reaching the rank of corporal.
He was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Parent-Teachers Assoc., and Fountain Street Church, where he taught in the Sunday school program and later served as a usher.
He and his family later moved to the Detroit area in 1970 where he worked for Meyer Treasure Chest Jewelers, Shifrin-Willens, and other fine jewelry retailers. As a hobby, he enjoyed inventing, creating a variety of cookware, commemorative medallions, and jewelry pieces. He retired to Grand Rapids in 1989.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 70 years, Josephine (also of Grand Rapids); son Robert, of Farmington Hills. Michigan; brother Albert, of Brooklyn, New York, and numerous cousins around the U.S.
Cremation has taken place. A private memorial gathering for family and friends was privately held in Grand Rapids.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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