Richard Leonard Obituary

Richard J. Leonard

Our beloved Dick passed peacefully 8/20/13 after a brave battle against lymphoma. He was born 3/30/1937 at Minneapolis, MN to Juletta and Richard J. Leonard He graduated from South High then studied engineering at the Univ. of Minn. while working for the family piano business. He moved to San Francisco and founded Leonard's Player Pianos which he ran for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife Eva and son Andrew ,his twin brother Grant of Fort Lauderdale, FL and sisters Marion Wukmir of manhatten Beach,CA and Claire Peske (Arnold) of Swanville, MN, along with a large extended family including beloved sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre deceased by brothers Vurnen (Dorothy) and Thomas.

After moving to Dutch Flat then Auburn, Dick, an avid golfer, joined the Auburn Valley Country Club and enjoyed the many friends he gained there. He loved golf trips to gather with his dearest old friends at courses all over the country.

His graciousness and kind smile will be sorely missed by all who knew him personally or in business. At his request there was no service.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 22 to Sep. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Leonard

Sponsored by John Pommon, a friend.

7 Entries

Gerard (Jerry) Le Clerc

October 21, 2020

I lived above the player piano shop during my studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music at Ortega Street it was between 1974-1978 (?) I think. Cellist that I am, Richard Leonard took me on to renovate his excellent stock of player pianos. Upon graduation I was awarded a scholarship to study in Geneva Switzerland and have made my name here starting in 1978. My years as apprentice and friend of Richard have always been important for me. Now, and here in Geneva those years seem a dream however his goodness and laughter are still with me as the years unfold.
I remember Dutch Flat and so much more. It was an improbable meeting of two improbable people but how very good it was.
My compliments to Richard for his Elegance and simplicity that makes his life, and ours, worth our time here.

John Pommon

September 16, 2019

Not a week goes by when I am not thinking of my buddie Dick Leonard. Life was so nice knowing Dick & his wife Eva were always doing something interesting & fun. Although he was getting up there and years he didn't seem to be old. I loved his outlook on life. As someone else put it, he was just pleasant to be around. They did throw away the mold. There was only one "Dicky" Leonard. He is still so missed. I hope Eva and Andrew are doing well.

Steve and Margaret Roach

December 4, 2018

I was going through our old business card collection and come across "Leonard's Player Pianos". Wondering what he was up to these days I did a Google search turned up the sad news of his passing. We just wanted to comment on our delightful experience with him years ago. Dick installed a player system in our new Kawai back in 2007. He was so pleasant to be around for the 2 days he was in our home, and also when we called to ask for technical help with the system. Although our meeting was brief, he was the kind of person you remember - for all the right reasons. We extend our condolences to his family who must have enjoyed many years and memories with this gracious and intelligent man.

John Pommon

November 29, 2016

The 1st time I met Dick Leonard was while I was looking for player piano rolls back in the late 70s. Leonard's Player Pianos was one of a hand-full of paper-roll player piano shops in the entire Bay Area.

The thing that made Dick Leonard stand out is what we all loved about him, compassion, integrity, determination & sense of humor. Dick was loyal to a fault and the words that he spoke rang with the sound of truth. He was about doing what he thought was right, while all the time with a pleasant sense of humor.

Dick lived a remarkable life, one that inspired me. He had an adventurous attitude, broad range of interests and upbeat humorous demeanor. This truly made him fun to be around. Dick was patient with his customers and generous with his friends.
I introduced Dick and his fun-loving wife Eva to my friends over the years and they always enjoyed how interesting and nice they were. Dick pursued his player piano business diligently always rising to meet a challenge.
This was a guy with a philosophical approach to life. a happy perspective & never displaying anger or impatience.

The strength of his character showed even in criticism. With a few wry words he could be far more expletive yet kindly than most people could achieve with stronger language.
I'll miss his humorous adventures, the funny stories of the people he did business with & the tales he told in the same humorous detail with every telling.
I'll miss his brilliant perspective and his gentle humour. I'll miss the surprising depth and scope of his knowledge. I'll miss the warmth he extended to everyone he met.
I will miss an all-time friend, but will treasure his memory forever.

John Pommon

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Jim Lester

October 14, 2013

Goodbye Dick,
I have been away and I am sorry I didn't get to meet you wife and son. I had no idea you were sick. I will miss you. I want to thank you again for the use of a variety of your putters. They help my putting for a short time but as you know it's not the putters that's the problem. I always enjoyed our playing golf and poker. You are going to be missed dearly. I want to thank you for being a good friend. I look forward to sitting on your bench and chatting with you as I play through.
Say hi to my buddy Jim up there.
Jim Lester

Dick & his golfing buddies.

Martin Mortensen

October 14, 2013

Eva and Andrew: So nice to see you both at the dedication of Dick's new memorial bench on the fifth tee box at Auburn Valley Golf Course. It was my pleasure to have known and played golf with Dick for 20+ years. Dick was a very special friend and a great friend to all the members. He was a delight to be around and he was a wonderful influence on the rest of us on living a better life. I will miss him, however, I will sit on his new bench on the 5th tee box and tell how much he is missed each time I play the hole. Thank you for sharing Dick with all of us over the years.

Cathie Taylor-Mallon

September 29, 2013

Eva,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you , Andrew and the Leonard family. So many wonderful memories of our days on Irving st. Dick was a wonderful man and will live on in our memories.

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