Lenny Stephen Jenkins

Lenny S. ("Len") Jenkins, 81, of Reading MI, formerly of Monroe MI, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025.
Len was born December 10, 1943. He graduated from Allen Park High School, and in 1966 earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University, double majoring in English and biology. He held advanced degrees from Eastern Michigan University: Master of Arts in Educational Administration (1968); Master of Arts in Literature (1970); and Specialist's degree in Educational Leadership (1980).
In addition to having been an English composition instructor at the community college level for several years, he had a long career teaching English and natural sciences at the secondary level. In semi-retirement he substitute taught across all grades and subject areas including kindergarten, physical education and special education. Once a teacher, always a teacher: he even presented poetry readings (incorporating facts about nature!) at his senior living community.
His book Gun Dog Training: Do It Yourself and Do It Right begins with the Henry Ford quote, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right" and formed the foundation for decades of hands-on classes and seminars at his kennel, training grounds and hunt club. He raised and trained English Setters for over 50 years with his setter puppies once having been featured in Remington's national print advertising campaign.
He shared his knowledge and passion for sporting dog performance through articles and regular columns written for outdoor publications, guided hunts, demonstrations at outdoor expos, and as a speaker at wildlife organization events. He was a life member of Pheasants Forever.
Whether working at the polls on election day or being involved in township government, he recognized the importance of civic engagement. As a college student, he traveled to Chicago to participate in a civil rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He kept informed about national and international current events through newspapers and news magazines and later in life, via CNN.
He enjoyed road trips, classic country music, shrimp, live theater, observing nature's beauty, tending to his hosta garden, and sitting by a roaring fire with his dogs at his feet. Some of his most cherished canine companions over the years included Bill, Whizzy, and Orwell.
Sincere gratitude is extended to the residents, staff and surrounding wildlife at Drews Place at the Village Green for the brightness they brought to his recent days.
He is survived by his children Danielle (James) Steimel, Michael Jenkins, Anne (Jeffrey) Jenkins, and Elizabeth (James) Hammermaster; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and the mother of his children, Charlene Jenkins; as well as many treasured friends, both human and canine.
He was preceded in death by his brother, parents and grandparents.
As per his wishes, there will be no services. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Civil Liberties Union, the local chapter of a wildlife preservation organization of your choosing, or Hospice of Hillsdale County.