Dolan Thomas Leguard

Dolan (Dan) Leguard

Salem - Dolan Thomas Leguard, Salem, Ohio, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, July 14, 2025 after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 73.

Dan was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on October 02, 1951, a son to Thomas and Genevieve Leguard.

He graduated from Meadville High School in the class of 1971. He went to work for Conrail after graduating high school. Shortly after starting at Conrail left to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He began his service September 02, 1971. He learned the trade of engine mechanics and graduated from the Great Lakes Naval Academy. He was assigned to the LST 1179 Newport, where he served for four years as an engine mechanic, earning an honorable discharge on September 11, 1975. He chose not to reinlist so he could use the skills he learned in the Navy on the railroad. When he returned to Meadeville he took a position as a Trackman that had him traveling all over Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

When the Meadville shop closed he moved to Ohio to take a job as an Equipment Engineer (he was eventually promoted to supervisor). It was in Ohio he met the love of his life, Kathy, in Salem. He often told the story of when he came over to the table to meet her she announced, "I'm not married. I'm not married." They danced all night and went to breakfast at an all night diner. They were married six months later at First Christian Church Columbiana. Together they raised their two children, Thomas Leguard, North Royalton, Ohio and Aurora Leguard, Salem, Ohio.

Family and friends were the most important part of his life. He was a kids basketball coach and scout leader. Family vacation brought him the most joy in life. Nothing could ever top the 3-week trip out west with his mother-in-law, Marian; Mother, Genny; wife, Kathy; and the two kids. It was his favorite trip, and everyone was still speaking to each other when they got home.

He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad in March 2012. He took a camping trip across the country with Kathy out west again to visit many of the same sites.

He spent his retirement encouraging others to follow their dreams. When Kathy wanted to start a Karaoke/DJ Business, he was her roadie, setting up the equipment for her. When his daughter wanted to move to California to pursue acting he packed up everything she needed and drove her to California himself. When his son wanted to write poetry he taught himself how to write poems. He was a man who found his greatest happiness from seeing others find happiness. Happiness was simple for him; it came from seeing the people he loved cared for and happy.

During his last year of his life, he loved to raid the cupboards of snacks and goodies offering to share with his Visiting Angel, Don and Shannon. He left many friends and family behind to cherish his memory.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy Leguard, whom he married June 4, 1983; his son, Thomas Leguard, North Royalton, Ohio; daughter Aurora Leguard, Salem, Ohio; granddaughters Aubriella Leguard and Ellianna Leguard; his sisters Joan-Bantz-Leguard, (David), Fairbanks, Alaska; and Mary Kellogg, Erie, Pennsylvania; and brothers Tim Leguard, (Sue) Meadville, Pennsylvania; John Leguard, (Barb) Jamestown, Pennsylvania; and Jeff Leguard, (Tammy) Meadville, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Jo-Anne Jugan, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey; and many friends and family, too many to mention, along with his beloved dogs, Koopa, Scarlette, and Willow.

Following his wishes, no calling hours or funeral services will be observed. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be celebrated at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Dan would love for you to do something special for someone because that was who he was.

The family would like to thank Visiting Angels of Salem, Ohio; Ohio Living Hospice; and Salem Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care they provided during his illness. Arrangements were entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Salem Chapel, www.BrownFHOnline.com, (330) 337-6363.