Leonard C. Gmirkin

Leonard C. Gmirkin
1923-2012
Leonard Constantine Gmirkin was born on June 18th, 1923 and passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 20th, 2012. He was born to Russian parents living in Urumqi, China and lived in China until he was 17. His Mother Irena brought him, his Brother Vasia and Sister Nina to the United States to escape the Communist Revolution. His Father never escaped and was believed to have died in a concentration camp. Leonard went to Pomona Junior College and then went to General Motors Institute of Technology where he pursued a degree in Automotive Engineering. When World War II broke out Leonard enlisted into the U.S Army. He attended O.C.S. in mechanized cavalry and armor and studied to become a platoon leader in the tank corp. He also served as an Intelligence N.C.O. in contact with the Russian Air Force. He translated all orders that controlled Russian Air traffic through Alaska. On November 26th, 1945 he received an Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Leonard then completed his degree from G.M.I.T. and eventually became the division manager of G.M.A.C. for Southern Michigan. He married Mary Lou Burkett on June 24th, 1949 and they had a daughter Cathy on July 8th,1952. He was divorced 4 years later.
In April of 1955 Leonard was contacted by the Central Intelligence Agency and he left his position with General Motors to join The Agency. In 1956 Leonard met the love of his life Roberta O. Klein who was working with the government also. They got married on September 7th, 1956 and then took an assignment in Asia where they enjoyed big game hunting and fishing. They started their family with the birth of their son John in 1959 and their second son, Keith in 1961. Leonard was stationed in Indonesia until 1966 when he moved his family to Laos where he was stationed until 1971. The Gmirkin's then moved to Singapore for their last posting in Asia before they were stationed domestically. Leonard retired a distinguished career with the C.I.A. in 1978. Leonard received three of the four awards presented by the C.I.A. He was a recipient of the Donovan Award, one of the highest awards presented to agents. He also received the Intelligence Medal of Merit and the Career Intelligence Medal. He retired in McCall, Idaho and lived there for 33 years, hunting, fishing with his sons and friends and contributing to Trout Unlimited until his health required him to move to Boise to be closer to his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Roberta "Robin" Gmirkin, his sons John and Keith, daughter-in-law Cheryl and his daughter Cathy Mills and grandsons Todd, Robert and T.J. Mills. He had two granddaughters Zada Revae and Vesper Sage that he adored. Leonard was a man of integrity, passion and had the ability to love unconditionally. His life was an example of excellence that few will ever attain. Leonard will always be loved and will never be forgotten. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Boise Funeral Home, Aclesa Chapel.