David Stewart Leighton

LEIGHTON, David Stewart

Dave was born April 20, 1935, in Albany, Calif., to Scottish immigrants, Stewart Leighton and Lillian Wilkie. He died after a lengthy battle with cancer on May 30, 2009, in Rancho Murieta, his home during the last 19 years.

Dave was raised in Crockett and Rodeo, California and graduated from Cal Berkeley in 1956 with a degree in Business Administration. He enlisted in the Army and served in Germany where he met and married Maria Kullman. Upon return to the States in 1960, Dave took a job with the State of California at the Personnel Board in Sacramento. He distinguished himself there, rising to the rank of Chief of several of the Board's divisions. In his positions at the Board and other agencies, he advised Governors Ronald Reagan, Jerry Brown, and George Deukemejian. He retired from the Board in 1995 after 35 years of Civil Service.

Dave was a voracious reader and life-long seeker of knowledge. He also enjoyed writing. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan during their good and bad years. He was a longtime member of a fantasy football league where he was the league's commissioner the last several years, looking forward to football season and the connection with his league colleagues. He was competitive at golf, tennis, and Scrabble. His interest in genealogy led him and his second wife Genie, to Scotland, Ireland, England and across the United States exploring their roots. The ocean was a favorite spot and his travels often involved visits to the coast. He loved music and enjoyed singing, especially when his son Dave played the guitar and other family members joined in. He treasured his sons and grandchildren and he savored the year he was softball teammates with his sons.

Dave was devoted to his adoring wife of 24 years Eugenia ''Genie'', his sons Dave (Jennifer) of Roseville, Steve of Sacramento, and John (Lesley) of Sherwood, Ore., grandchildren Nick, Arielle, and Emmery of Roseville, and Ryanne of Sherwood, and spoiled pet Kitty. He is survived also by his father-in-law Willard Mosier (Mary Ann) of Sacramento, sister-in-law Donna Muller (Tom) of Woodland, nephew Eric Allen of Citrus Heights, niece Sharon Campos of Woodland, ex-wife Maria Leighton of Carmichael, and numerous cousins in Scotland, England, Australia, China, and California. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy, sons Frank and Michael, and mother-in-law Eugenia Mosier.

Dave always said he had a good life. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held Saturday, June 20, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.