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Ronald Leslie Obituary
He was born July 4, 1949, in Tawas City, to Benjamin "Ben" and Marguerite (Valley) Leslie. He was a 1967 graduate of Tawas Area High School and went on to graduate from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He married the love of his life, Laura (Howell) Leslie, on Feb. 27, 1976.
He managed the City Park in East Tawas for 17 years and went on to manage the City of East Tawas as City Manager for another 23 years, until he retired in 2015. His love and dedication to the Tawas area didn't stop there, as he was part of several boards, committees and clubs: Northeastern Baseball League, Tawas Men's Softball Association, Athletic Director for Tawas Knothole League (during college), Walleyes for Iosco County board, River Road Scenic Byway Committee, Tawas Utilities Authority, Tawas Police Authority (President and member), Huron Shores Regional Utility Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Building Authority, East Tawas Park Board, Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce (President and board member), Tawas Area Promotions (TAPS), Tawas Area Lions Club (President and member), East Tawas Men's Club, Perchville Committee Chairman and Perchville King with his wife Laura as Queen in 1990.
Ronald truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; playing baseball (in high school and college) fishing, hunting, golfing, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Laura; his children, Jason (Maggie) Leslie of Ladera Ranch, Calif. and Britta (Jason) Saxon of Troy; five grandchildren, Camden and Jack Donovan Ewing, Abigail Leslie, Brandon and Lily Saxon. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Judith Leslie (James), Lynda Calabrese (Howell), Susan Gates (Howell), Janice Howell; brother-in-law, Keith (Debbi) Howell, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Marguerite Leslie; brother, Thomas Leslie, sister-in-law, Dianne Howell; and brothers-in-law Leonard Calabrese, Ross Howell and Paul Howell.
Due to the current health crisis there is no funeral planned at this time. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the East Tawas Library.
Don't be sad, for I've gone fishing………
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Leslie
Bill Mucha
November 12, 2021
I enjoyed playing baseball with him in Tawas while I was in the Air Force stationed I Oscoda we become good friends
Patrick Campbell
April 15, 2020
I hadn't seen RON in over 50+ years but as avid Baseball Fans throughout Grammar School and our teens, we spent many hours playing together and against one another each pushing the other to be a better Ball Player. I can never remember RON as ever being "negative", win or lose. And from what others are saying about RON in his later Life . that attitude seems to have continued.
BOY! After reading the legacy of his accomplishments and his huge amount of contributions in time and service to the EAST TAWAS/TAWAS CITY Community of which his Family should be so proud . I feel like I have just been "phoning it in" in my life.
I think that it is so impressive that RON stayed "home" there in TAWAS to step up as an amazing CIVIC Leader for an Area that was ready to blossom. And I am sure that his sound advice on the proper direction for the Area's expansion was treasured and will be sorely missed.
But I guess "Heaven's Baseball Team was lacking and They needed to draft a Prolific Player to bat CLEAN UP !" They couldn't have chosen a better Man.
Patrick Campbell
April 15, 2020
I hadn't seen RON in over 50+ years but as avid Baseball Fans throughout Grammar School and our teens, we spent many hours playing together and against one another each pushing the other to be a better Ball Player. I can never remember RON as ever being "negative", win or lose. And from what others are saying about RON in his later Life . that attitude seems to have continued.
BOY! After reading the tremendous legacy of his accomplishments and his huge amount of contributions in time and service to the EAST TAWAS/TAWAS CITY Community of which his Family should be so proud . I feel like I have just been "phoning it in" in my life.
I think that it is so impressive that RON stayed "home" there in TAWAS to step up as an amazing CIVIC Leader for an Area that was ready to blossom. And I am sure that his sound advice on the proper direction for the Area's expansion was treasured and will be sorely missed.
But I guess "Heaven's Baseball Team was lacking and They needed to draft a Prolific Player to bat CLEAN UP !" They couldn't have chosen a better Man.
April 15, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Ron's death. I just talked to him a few summers ago. He was always an upbeat guy, smiling and being positive. We were cabin mates at the Thunder Bay Resort in Alpena while we both attended ACC. I remember Ron and Teddy (Ron's beagle) always ready to go to Lud's for a burger. He was a good friend and even though time passed (years) we talked as though we were still roommates. Rest in Peace, Ron.
Drew Campbell
April 15, 2020
Dear Laura & Family
Our deepest sympathy
We dealt with Ron on a professional level for many years working at the community center, what a Great guy he was.
When ever I went to see Ron I could always count on a lot of laughter! He will be missed!
Duane Colvin, Colvin's Plumbing & Heating
April 15, 2020
Ron, super nice guy who always greeted you with a smile. Watched Ron pitch and play independent baseball growing up in Tawas, and was fortunate to play with and for Ron after my junior year of high school. To the Leslie Family so sorry for your loss of Ron.
Sincerely,
Mickey Haglund
April 13, 2020
Dear Laura and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I remember him always with a smile and nothing but kind words were ever spoken. Sending much Love , hugs and prayers to you all. Sincerely Nancy(Stonehouse)Clark
Carolyn Frank
April 13, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Ron's family. Ron was a friend of my husbands' and Bob always enjoyed the times they spent together. Ron was here for me last year when my Bob "went fishing" and even though I can't be there for you in person you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
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