Leon Kula

KULA Leon Kula, 73, Tavernier potter and sculptor, lost his six-month battle with ALS on October 18, 2012. Born March 28, 1939, in Bay County, Michigan. He had been a Tavernier resident since 1981. He studied art in Michigan, Colorado, and Florida, and built a reputation as a talented potter and sculptor in bronze, copper, and wood. Won prizes in many national shows, including two successive awards for "Best in Show" at the Pigeon Key Art Festival. He enjoyed creating works of beauty in a variety of media, and even more, he enjoyed helping other artists develop their own creativity. Mr. Kula is survived by his wife of 42 years, Norma, his sisters; Carol Howlett of Columbus, Ohio, Dolores Shaver of Acworth, Georgia, and Janet Harden of Linwood, Michigan, along with a number of nieces and nephews. He also leaves his loving canine companion of 10 years, Charlemagne, a familiar sight in Tavernier. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Marian Kula, and his younger brother, Robert. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 11:00 am at San Pedro Catholic Church in Tavernier. A celebration of his life will take place at his studio in Tavernier at a later date, yet to be announced.