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Jeff Leonard Obituary

Jeff Leonard, PhD, died quietly at home on Sept 11, 2023 surrounded by family.He was born on April 28,1954 in San Francisco and moved to Gustine, California as a young child. He got his BA and MA from Chico state, and after getting an MFT, he finished his PhD at CSPP in 1991. Jeff worked as a psychologist in Marin County, seeing children and families in therapy for more than 30 years. He loved his work and loved his clients. Jeff had many interests, all of which he excelled: ceramics, mycology, and playing many musical instruments. Throughout his life, he relished skiing, automotive work, and boating, always with spirit and mindful of proficiency. When his son, Chris, began surfing in middle school, Jeff bought a surfboard and wetsuit to join the fun. He drove Chris and his friends to surf in the mornings before school, always getting them to class on time. Jeff treated his achievements as ordinary steps in living his life. They were private joys intended for personal satisfaction.Jeff is survived by his wife of 35 years, Paula Russo, his son, Chris Leonard, daughter-in-law, Asia Davis-Castillo, and sister, Tina Kirkpatrick. There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation in Jeff's name to a mental health foundation or charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal from Sep. 15 to Sep. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Leonard

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

18 Entries

Leif

September 9, 2025

Key West an other trips my friend!

Ira Hamar

December 24, 2023

Good bye my friend, thanks for the many adventures and memories!

Jeff 1978

Neil M. Henk

December 14, 2023

This message is from my son, who was patient of Jeff's. Thank you Jeff.

The Thigpen Family

November 20, 2023

We were so, so saddened to hear about Dr. Leonard's passing. We adored and respected Jeff, and attribute his care and attention of our teen son in the last several years, to the survival of our family unit. We don't know how we would have made it without Jeff's guidance and sense of humor. And he always had a twinkle in his eye. We will miss him deeply and think of him often.

Patricia McNamara

September 27, 2023

So sorry for your loss. You family is in thoughts and prayers. Patricia McNamara

Bill Johnson

September 24, 2023

Jeff Leonard
It is impossible to describe the positive impact that Jeff had on all the people he loved
, worked with and knew even on a casual level.
For myself Just hearing his name brings memories of fun, adventure and his enthusiastic attitude about life. His smile and positive approach and attitude were infectious.
The times we spent together with our sons at Indian guides Chris and my son Dustin at 4 and 5 years of age were lively and special. Campfires, shots laughter and great stories late in the night.
His smile and radiant personality will be sorely missed. Thank you Jeff for sharing your love of life with us, we have such a fleeting moment in this world and you brought joy to so many.
Love to you, Paula & Chris during this time of sorrow and remembrance.
Bill Johnson

David Auld

September 22, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was a bright light and he will be missed. I met Jeff in graduate school at CSPP. We practiced in different communities so unfortunately we didn't have much professional crossover. I do remember him as lively, fun and a wonderful clinician.

Leif Lundback

September 19, 2023

All love from us!
Leif, Moni and David

Susie Hills

September 17, 2023

Paula, you and your family are in my heart. May you find peace.

Love, Angela adn Eric Gragg

September 16, 2023

Jeff had a life well-lived. He was a great husband and father.....he will be greatly missed. May wonderful memories help heal your broken hearts.
Sending lots of Hugs!

Ed DeMayo

September 15, 2023

Jeff was my best friend. We travelled together, raced cars together, ate and drank together, but most of all we laughed together. You'll always be my buddy, and you'll always be in my heart.

Richard Celia

September 15, 2023

You were one of the nicest people I´ve ever known Always quick with a smile or a simple kind word. Our world needs more like you. You now live forever in the presence of God. Peace and light be on your Wife Paula and your Family

Robert McCullough

September 15, 2023

Jeff was a true professional and gentleman. I will pray for the repose of his soul. God Bless him.

Ashley H

September 15, 2023

Jeff was an amazing help to my family, in particular, to my teenage son in a time where we were all struggling. His humor, his insightfulness, his humanity, helped us navigate that time and come out better for it. He was a immensely kind and caring individual and his imprint on my family will remain forever. I am so grateful to him and to his family for sharing him with us all. Thank you, Jeff.

Steven Bustin

September 15, 2023

Jeff had a passion and enthusiasm for life that was absolutely contagious. He looked at each new interest as a wonder, a mission to excel and a source of joy not only for himself but to share with all. His innate curiosity, his genuine interest in the thoughts and dreams of others and his kindness endeared him to all blessed to cross his life's path. Whether it was surfing, nautical navigation (of which he was excellent), cooking, traveling, baseball, he became accomplished, but remained humble and filled with gratitude for the experiences and sharing them with loved ones.

Jeff also had gifted sense of humor that consistently led to much laughter. After a conversation, a lunch, shared glass of wine or or any other encounter with Jeff, one was left with a smile that lingered the rest of your day. He simply made your life better.

One of my fondest memories of Jeff was created during a trip to San Juan Island. Jeff and Paula, my wife Gigi and I spent a week together exploring the island, boating, dining and generally hanging out and sharing. Jeff and I brought our baseball gloves and a baseball. We were 60-something year old men, playing catch, sharing a time honored ritual, mostly just smiling and filled with joy, the sound of the ball popping into the glove emphasizing a bond and appreciation that said more than words.

Jeff enriched all our lives. He will be terribly, painfully missed. But we are all better people and live life better from what Jeff shared with us. Always in our hearts.

Ed and Rowena DeMayo

September 15, 2023

Rowena and I shared so much of our lives with Jeff and Paula, travelling, going to dinners and concerts, playing card games, and just "hanging out." He was a great listener and teacher. He taught me a lot about life, and we ALWAYS had fun when we were together. Jeff was my best friend, and I will always miss him deeply. I know he's gone, but he'll live forever in my heart. Goodbye, my friend.

Steven Bustin

September 15, 2023

Rob Ruby

September 15, 2023

Condolences to Paula & the family.

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