John F. Leahy

Jack Leahy passed away peacefully with his family at his side in his beloved home in Twain, CA, on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, from complications due to kidney failure. Born January 7, 1934, in San Jose, California. Jack was known for his curious, enquiring mind, and enthusiasm for nature. He loved to study and was a life long learner especially in geology, astronomy, electronics, and the flora and fauna in nature. Hiking and exploring the Sierra with his family brought him great enjoyment. He loved classical music, was a pianist, and the organist for Trinity Episcopal Church in Gonzales for over twenty years. He became interested in ham radio in high school and pursued this hobby throughout his life. Jack attended St. Leo Elementary School and St. Joseph's Minor Seminary in San Jose, CA. After high school graduation he entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Los Gatos, CA. His two Juniorate years were through the University of Santa Clara where he obtained his liberal arts education. He attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama for five years. There he earned his Bachelor Degree in science and mathematics and did his graduate work. He obtained his California high school teaching credential at Loyola University, and then began his long career of high school and adult school teaching beginning with Bellarmine Prep in San Jose. He did Theological Studies at Regis College in Toronto. After his departure from the Jesuits, Jack worked two years as a social worker in Humboldt County. He resumed his teaching career and came to Gonzales, CA, in 1966, where he met his wife, best friend, and soul mate, Liz Leahy. They were married for over forty years. He taught at Gonzales High School, later at Palma High School and Hartnell Junior College Adult School in Salinas. Jack touched many lives. His teaching service was an inspiration to many because of his hobbies in electronics, astronomy, music, and science. He seemed able to answer any question, lend a helping hand, and always had the time for a sincere, lively, and often challenging discussion with students, all of whom he respected and considered friends. In 1990, Jack made a life long ambition come true by moving to the Sierra where he found his dream home in Old Mill Ranch along the Feather River among the beautiful trees and mountains. Jack taught at the FRC Mountain People Learning Center Adult School in Greenville for the first four years after his arrival. He also assisted his wife and shared his talents and wonderful sense of humor untiringly in her elementary classrooms at Indian Jim and Pioneer Elementary, and later at the Plumas Charter School. Jack is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, a daughter, Teresa King, son-in-law Scott King, and their two children, Kaelyn and Casey of Davis, a son, Steven Leahy, of Sacramento, two sisters, Sr. Teresa Ann Leahy, S.N.D., of Watsonville, Mary Lehnert, of Georgetown, CA, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He joins a deceased older brother, Charles Leahy, of Walla Walla, WA, his deceased parents, Joseph and Rosalia Leahy of San Jose, CA. As Jack requested there will not be a formal service in his memory, but family memorial services will be held at a later time. The family suggests any remembrances be made to a favorite charity or Plumas Community Hospice c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory, PO Box 53, Quincy, CA, 95971.