John Michael McLeod

1952 - 2016

John Michael McLeod
March 10, 1952 ~ June 11, 2016
JUNE 11, 2016 will be remembered as a bitter-sweet day by John McLeod's family and friends who loved him, as that was the day he passed away and was released from pain.
John was born in Whitefish, Montana on March 10, 1952 to Jack and Adelaide McLeod, where Jack was an engineer on the Hungry Horse Dam. John was a beautiful child. The family returned to Boise when the dam was complete. John grew up in Boise, attending Roosevelt Grade School, East Jr. High, Boise High School and University of Idaho. He had the great privilege of knowing his paternal grandparents, Tom and Elizabeth McLeod, immigrants from Scotland, and his maternal grandparents, C.J. and Bertha Schooler, all of whom helped shape his life.
John was special in so many ways. He had a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile. His glass was always half full. He will be remembered as an "original" as he forged his way on his personal path through life, marching to his own tune. He was a loving, diligent father to his children Korie and James, and subsequently a mentor to Korie's husband Andy Byrd, and an especially important presence for John Michael Drew, his cherished grandson. He was a most devoted son to Adelaide McLeod, caring brother to Tom and Tom's special friend Bonnie Prosec, and Kevin and Kathi McLeod. He was a true and endearing friend to Donny Hazzard, Wendy Paul (Garden Valley), and Patti Hill (Alaska). He adored his Auntie Jane Griffin (California), cousins Craig Griffin (Texas), wife Debbie and their children Emily and Tyler, Jay Griffin (Louisiana) and wife Jane and daughter Maris, Cheri Grffin, Aaron, Nick and Gabe Benevides (California) and Rob Oliver (Kansas).
John loved the great outdoors; he was at home in the wilderness. He was an avid skier. He climbed the Finger of Fate in the Sawtooth Mountains, picked huckleberries and wild blackberries, caught many sunsets from the vantage point of Table Rock and Payette Lake. He made the most of his days at the family cabin that he and his dad built in McCall. It was "a piece of art" and was enjoyed as our family retreat for many years. His talent as a finish carpenter was exemplary. His creative approach to his craft left special touches of his talent in every project he was involved in, especially Tivoli Garden at Lake Harbor where he employed the Golden Ratio to achieve perfect balance.
John was a devout reader and loved to share interesting and sometimes oblique thoughts with those around him. His passing leaves a deep void for all who loved him.
It is so hard to say goodbye. Go with God, John. We loved you well. We love you always.
A celebration of life will be held on June 18th, 2:30 p.m. at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Home, 5400 W. Fairview Avenue, Boise.
A reception will follow at Smoky Mountain Pizza, 1805 W. State Street, Boise. Please come and bring your stories to share.