Leon McGoldrick

Leon Daniel McGoldrick
April 24, 1934 - May 8, 2015
Leon Daniel McGoldrick died at home on May 8, 2015 doing what he loved.
Born in Liberal, Kansas on April 24, 1934, Leon was the oldest son of John E. "Roy" McGoldrick and Ola Gloria Baird. Leon and his parents moved to Caldwell, Idaho in 1936, where he grew up. He met Dolores Tycz, who would become his wife for 61 years, at the Nampa Rollerdrome.
He apprenticed in the ship yards in Bremerton, Washington, finishing a 4 year program in 3 years. Missing family back in Idaho, however, he relocated back to Nampa, Idaho where they raised their 4 children Cindy, Jerry, Angie and Tom McGoldrick. From the knowledge and skills he gained at the ship yards, he proudly and skillfully built an 18 foot cabin cruiser for his family that was enjoyed for years and holds special memories for each of his children. (Thanks Dad!)
Leon was a second generation paint contractor by trade and painted many homes and businesses in the Valley. He later owned his own paint store, McGoldrick Paint, in Nampa Idaho
Leon was gifted with many skills, and used those skills to build a dream home with his own two hands… a little at a time… as time and money would permit… on a 10 acre farm.
In 1979, Leon changed his profession and started working at the Idaho State Correctional Institute. He began as a guard, and then later evolved to become a Vocational Instructor. He taught his inmate/students skills such as reading blueprints, using tools, how to build and other life skills to help prepare them to get jobs and better their lives when their sentences were complete. He worked as an instructor until he retired.
After retiring, Leon was able to focus on his 10 acre farm where he tended a small apple orchard and hay field. Leons highlight was setting up a cart at the end of his lane and selling his apples in the Fall. He loved talking to the people who returned every year and loved meeting new people.
Leons greatest hobby and passion was his black powder rifles. He was a member of the National Muzzleloader Rifle Association and was a very accomplished marksman. He remained a fierce competitor until he was 79 years old, when health issues slowed him down. He won numerous awards for his skills in marksmanship and was proud to tell anyone who was interested about each and every one.
A true Irishman, Leon loved to tell stories; Stories from humorous childhood shenanigans to many hunting trips with friends, his Loving Brother Lou and of course his sons Jerry and Tom. If he could get away with it though, his stories weren't always the most factual. A twinkle of his eyes was the only tell a grandchild had when he tried to convince them his trophy antlers were mounted on the wall because the buck they belonged to had run into the wall on the other side and gotten stuck.
Dad was always available for quippy words of wisdom and advice. My personal favorite was when I complained of being short. He responded "Your legs are long enough to touch the ground, that's all that you need."
Your words of wisdom will be remembered and greatly missed. We Love you Dad, watch over us all from your new vantage point.
Leon was greeted in heaven by his parents Roy and Ola, sisters Leola May McGoldrick, Lorraine (Don) Dean, Lavonne Ida McGoldrick and grandson Mathew McGoldrick.
Surviving family of Leons are his wife of 61 years Dolores; and their 4 children, Cindy Farwell, Jerry (Rhonda) McGoldrick, Angie (Bob) Dossett and Tom (Sharon) McGoldrick; Grandchildren, Kyle (Hon) Farwell, Megan (Phil) Opitz, Carey McGoldrick, Michael McGoldrick, Cassie Dossett, Crystal McGoldrick and Hayden McGoldrick and Seven Great Grandchildren; Brothers, Lou (Noni) McGoldrick and John McGoldrick.
No services will be held for Leon per his request. A celebration of life for family and friends will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com