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LEONARD JEFFREY Obituary

LEONARD H. JEFFREY LEONARD, PhD. "Jeff" 1954-2018 Proud and loving husband, father, brother, and son; foresighted, innovative, and socially responsible business leader; accomplished scholar; engaged philanthropist and policy advocate; skier, adventurer, and fly fisherman; dedicated runner and lover of life. Jeff died suddenly on October 13, 2018, a devastating loss to his family, friends, and colleagues. Jeff was founder and managing partner of Global Environment Fund (GEF), an alternative asset manager established in 1990 to invest globally in high-growth clean energy sources and efficient, environmentally sustainable businesses. He spent his career in constant pursuit of visionary ideas and people, and he worked tirelessly to enable them to fully realize their potential. At the time of his death, Dr. Leonard was President and Chief Executive Officer of GEF. He was the Treasurer and Senior Fellow in Global Studies of the New America Foun- dation. He also was chairman emeritus of the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, a global organization that promotes private equity and venture capital investment in emerging markets, and a founding Board member of the National Council for Science and the Environment. He was a member of the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. He generously supported many local community and cultural organizations including Audubon Naturalist Society at Woodend, Beacon House Community Ministries, CityYear DC, Round House Theatre, Strathmore, Venture Philanthropy Partners, and The Washington Monthly. Jeff received an AB magna cum laude from Harvard College, an MS Econ degree the London School of Economics, and a PhD from Princeton University. He is the author of five books and numerous articles relating to global environmental issues, international trade, energy production and technology development. Of all his accomplishments, Jeff was most proud of his family, especially his marriage of forty years to his high school sweetheart Carolyn Pisano Leonard. Jeff also is survived by his children, Michael Leonard, Anna Leonard Seslar (Brian), and Peter Leonard, as well as by his brother Jonathan Leonard (Mary), his sister Elissa Leonard (Jay Powell), his father George Hill Leonard, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Jeff was predeceased by his mother Phyllis Bachner Leonard. On Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 3 to 6 p.m. Jeff's family will receive visitors at Pumphrey's Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-4099.A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-4099.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for LEONARD JEFFREY

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October 30, 2018

Offering our sincere condolences. May the God of love comfort your heart and make you firm in your time of grief. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

John Gubbings

October 21, 2018

Glad to have made your acquaintance.

Classic Peace Lily Plant

Todd Peterson

Sent Flowers

Love Everlasting

a loved one

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Magnificent Life Spray

a loved one

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Karen Kaldor Morris

October 18, 2018

I am so saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. I knew him at RHS. Jeff possessed a quiet confidence, respect for others and desire to to good in this world and he left quite an impact on me. To Carolyn and Jeff's children, I hope you get some solace from knowing how many lives Jeff touched in positive ways. May hid memory be a blessing.

Claudia Shugert

October 18, 2018

So terribly sad to lose such a good and engaged person much too soon.
Sympathy to all who knew him personally and to those of us who were fortunate to benefit from his efforts in the world.

Sincere Serenity

Mark Landers

Sent Flowers

Richard (Ricky) Kortum

October 18, 2018

So saddened to hear this news, even though I haven't seen or heard of Jeff since I graduated a year ahead of him in 1971. We were friends and teammates for the while. I liked Jeff very much. His list of accomplishments and life-affirming activities is impressive, and admirable. He has clearly led an adventurous and fruitful life, and I can't help but feel proud of him. My deepest condolences to family and dear friends. The world is surely a dimmer place without him. But, surely, the photo above of a smiling, happy man resonates within us to produce a good measure of joyful remembrance. Always. Though not having Jeff with us here on this earth is a great loss to all. Thank you, Jeff, for all the good you have done for so many. I'm really sorry not to have kept in touch. My loss. And thank you to all those who played a positive part in making Jeff the remarkable individual he was.

Jill Asman

October 17, 2018

My deep condolences to Carolyn and the whole family. Jeff was a fabulous person and will be greatly missed by so many. His death is a loss not only to his family and friends but to the world.

Ruth Ramge Harris

October 17, 2018

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. Even though we never kept in touch, I have memories of him from our time in Maryvale Elementary School ending at RHS. Seemed everyone wanted him to be on their team. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. May Jesus Christ give the family comfort and strength.

Deborah Kahn

October 17, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff. I admired him and his work greatly. I knew him best through his work at Beacon House and remember how humble he was as we expressed our appreciation and admiration. He touched and changed lives through his works and through the witness of his own life.

NANCY CARPENTER

October 17, 2018

My sincere condolences to Carolyn and family for your devastating loss. I remember Jeff from RHS as a kind, bright leader and it looks like he continued in that vein. Praying for you to find comfort and hope in your faith and memories.

Kevin Hinton

October 17, 2018

We at Beacon House are deeply saddened by the news of Jeff's passing. Our prayers are with Carolyn and the entire Leonard family.

Nick Bachur

October 17, 2018

Cindy and I pray for your family's strength and care in this sudden, unexpected loss.

Dreams From the Heart

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Nancy Peacock Heath

October 17, 2018

Love and condolences to the family. Jeff was a dear friend.

Nancy Peacock Heath

Deann and Perry Burch

October 17, 2018

Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute. Jeff touched and enhanced the lives of many. His legacy will continue as his loved ones embrace each other, and reflect his kindness, strength, and compassion to those around them.

Amanda Bennett

October 16, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff. We were college classmates and friends on The Crimson where we knew him as HJL. What a life full of impact he had!

Joleen Hart

October 16, 2018

I fondly remember Jeff from our days at RHS. I remember Jeff and Carolyn as high school sweethearts and Carolyn as my neighbor and friend on Marcia Lane. My sincerest condolences to Carolyn and the Leonard family. My prayers and my heart are with you all.

Larry Rosen

October 16, 2018

We are so sorry to learn of Jeff's passing. Our girls played high school soccer together. Jeff was always a gentleman. His sweet demeanor was and example of how adults should act on the sidelines. Although I never told him, it was a privilege to know him and his lovely family during that brief period. Our thoughts and prayers now turn to his family.

Debby & Reggie Allnutt

October 16, 2018

We are so sorry for your loss...sending prayers and love to you all.

Carlann (Carla) Donaldson-Czecha

October 16, 2018

All my love to you, Carolyn. Peace and light to your family.

October 16, 2018

Deepest condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during your time of grief

Pam Embrey Lansing

October 16, 2018

So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Even though I moved out of Rockville in 1975 after graduating from Rockville High School in 1972 I always remembered Jeff . He was always caring and helpful to people . My thoughts and prayers are with the family .

JOE CARIGNAN

October 16, 2018

Only knew him from High School and even then he was a kind person who always had only good things to say about others. He was a leader then and from what I have read, he lived life to the fullest. So glad to have known him. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Jon Greene

October 16, 2018

Life is just a blur. Remember Jeff as one of the most exceptional classmates. Have not seen him since graduation from RHS. I remember him as a tower of strength in HS. Smart, funny, and always asking how the other classmates were doing. The world has lost a bright light. My deepest sympathies to family and friends. Although the years pass - the memories endure as if yesterday. Rest in Peace Jeff. You were a great man before we all knew it.

here if u need me!love and prayers to you all.

e.kevin cadem

October 16, 2018

love you all,have never forgotten anyone of u,my heart felt sorrow.again,love u all,my prayers r with u.

Donald Streeks

October 16, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. My condolences to the family. Peace.

Peter Buchanan

October 16, 2018

I only met Jeff quite recently. I helped him with due diligence on a recent investment in Optimoz, helped him and the founder post investment, and had another company in front of GEF recently. Jeff was thoughtful, constructively competitive, and a champion of his entrepreneurs. I work with a lot of companies and lots of people, but I preferred spending my time with Jeff. We viewed the companies in his care the same way, we liked the same music, we have kids the same age, we viewed the world the same way, and we had fun working and comparing notes on life. I am sure Jeff is terribly missed by people who knew him well personally and at work. I only met him recently, and I feel like there's a big whole in my workday now that I'm not hearing from him.

October 16, 2018

Sincere condolences to the family, When we lose those we love, the pain and grief can seem unbearable, BUT, TRUST in the GOD of comfort, he will make you strong and give you peace at this difficult time. Numbers 6:26.

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Funeral services provided by:

Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase

7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814

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