Harold Wayne Leonhardt

Vancouver - Harold "Hal" Leonhardt was born 93 years ago in Wallace, Nebraska to parents, Harold and Lorraine Leonhardt. The family moved to Loveland, Colorado when he was 12 for health issues. He played basketball in high school and attended University of Boulder Colorado for two years. He then joined the Navy for a year before moving back to Loveland to begin his professional career as a salesman at a small mens clothing shop, Houston's. He later moved to Denver to work for a family-owned men's clothing store, Gano Downs.

He met the love of his life, Sheila Barden from Omaha, Nebraska at a dance hall, as both enjoyed dancing. They married January 25, 1958 and raised five children. He became a merchandising manager at Gano Downs in downtown Denver, taking several trips a year to New York City. Later, he was promoted to vice president, and then a few years later, president, becoming the youngest president of a prestigious men's clothing store. Hal enjoyed all sports, watching football and basketball and while living in Denver, attended Denver Bronco games. He also enjoyed hunting pheasant and grouse but preferred fishing the Laramie River.

When Gano Downs was sold, he moved his family to Dillon, Montana, where he created Leonhardt Ranchwear. Four years later, he sold the store and began the last stage of his clothing career as a traveling salesman, selling men's suits. He covered Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. He lived in Salem with his family

In 2003 Hal and Sheila moved to Vancouver to be nearer their only grandchild, Jasper.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sheila, and his children, Diana Chirby of Long Beach, CA, Valerie Leonhardt of Vancouver, WA, Sidney and his wife, Carla of San Jose, CA, Felice Leonhardt of Portland, OR and Cecily and her husband, Larry of Vancouver, WA.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on July 22, 2023 at 2 PM at Vancouver First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver, WA.

He was a Lay Leader, chaired church commissions and usher at the churches the family was members of.