Leonard Speth

1934 - 2025

Leonard "Leo" Speth, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Yuba City, CA, on April 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.

Born in 1934, and raised in Hinkley, CA, Leo was the second of four sons born to German immigrants, John and Maria Speth.

From a young age, he inherited a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for the land, which would guide his life and career.

While attending UC Davis, Leo met his future wife, Marilyn Warren, who was also a student there. They married shortly after graduation in August of 1960, and shared 56 wonderful years together.

Leo earned a B.S. in Agronomy in 1960, and while at Davis became a pilot through his participation in the Cal Aggie Flying Farmers.

After leaving Davis, CA, he and Marilyn returned to Hinkley, CA, where he began his career as a state agricultural inspector and helped his father run the family's 220-acre alfalfa farm.

His professional path led him across California. From managing operations at the Triangle T Ranch in Chowchilla, CA, to a successful transition into agricultural banking, with various banks including the Federal Land Bank and Feather River State Bank with positions in Fresno, CA, Reedley, CA, Berkeley, CA, and ultimately Yuba City, CA.

In later years at work, he became an invaluable mentor to younger colleagues who would seek him out as Leo could present novel solutions and offer a clear path forward for complex agricultural loans.

Though his day job kept him plenty busy, Leo remained a farmer at heart. On weekends and in retirement, he nurtured his love for agriculture with his own almond orchard, and a raisin vineyard. Eventually, at the tender age of 79, he planted and started cultivating a 45-acre walnut orchard in Colusa County.

He also found joy in his home garden, growing an abundance of asparagus, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and more, always eager to share the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors.

Leo was a devoted father and took an active role in his children's lives, whether coaching baseball, building a horse stable for his daughter, or passing along practical knowledge with an exacting sense of the right way to do things, often times with a good sense of humor.

In retirement, Leo embraced life's adventures. He and Marilyn traveled the world with close friends, collecting memories from every corner of the globe.

A passionate fly fisherman, he enjoyed many memorable trips, often alongside his son, as part of the E.C. Powell Fly Fishing Club.

He also enjoyed playing bocce with his SIRs friends, bowling, and gin rummy, and was a spirited cook in the kitchen.

From cioppino and pho and kimchi to his signature upside-down blood orange cake, his culinary creations were as diverse as they were delicious.

As a member in Saint Andrew Church Ancient Mariners group, Leo would treat his friends to his inspired kitchen creations. Each fall brought pomegranate jam, and each summer, crisp homemade pickles.

He was also a connoisseur of fine wines having multiple wine club memberships and would gladly share his treasures with dinner guests.

One of Leo's greatest joys was being a grandfather or "Poppy" as he was fondly known. He never forgot a birthday and eschewed the sentimental birthday cards in favor of the more humorous and slightly inappropriate cards.

Opening a card from Poppy would always end in a laugh. He formed deep, meaningful bonds with his grandchildren and created lasting memories with them on many family trips to Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Yosemite, and Hilton Head.

Leo was preceded in death by Marilyn, his elegant and beloved wife; and his brothers, Charlie and John.

He is survived by his brother, Robert; his children, Patricia Speth (Bob Holman), Cathy Cecchini (Jason), and Gregory Speth (Debbie); and his five grandchildren, Kylie, Mia, Jacob, Emma, and Shane.

Leo will be remembered for his loud baritone voice, his warmth, good nature, quiet strength, and a mischievous sense of humor.

As so many have said, again and again, "We love your dad!" His warm personality and infectious smile will live on in the many lives he touched.

Leo's children would like to welcome Leo's friends to a Celebration of Life in his honor on June 14, 2025, at 12 PM, at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City, CA.

Donations in memory of Leo may be made to California Trout or the Melanoma Research Alliance.