Leonard Whistler II

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Leonard Whistler, II of Potomac, MD on July 21, 2025 at the age of 92. Len was the beloved husband of Kathryn 'Kate' Kissane Whistler. Kate Whistler passed away on Palm Sunday of 2024 and we hope that she and Leonard will meet again in a better place.

'Len' was born in Syracuse, NY on December 5, 1932. The last of four children, as the baby of the family he was loved dearly by his mother and older siblings, especially after the unfortunate death of their father, also Leonard, in an automobile accident when young Len was just 2 years old.

Always hard-working and bright, Len was a proud Eagle Scout and an excellent scholar. He attended Brown University in Providence, RI, where he met his future wife, Kathryn Kissane. Len graduated from Brown University in 1955 followed by a master's degree in international relations.

Len's life of international service started when he joined the US Navy. To fulfill his ROTC training, Len served in the Navy on the destroyer USS Hammerberg.

Following his service in the Navy, Len started his lifelong career as an intelligence officer with the U.S. government. For over forty years his work took him to all corners of the globe including overseas assignments in Brazil, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, Len served his country with honor in Vietnam from 1970-71.

Len and Kate's globetrotting lifestyle took place during the golden age of travel. They were able to immerse themselves in foreign cultures, gain an incredible worldwide perspective, and accumulate many experiences along the way.

Len and Kate shared an amazing marriage of 64 years and were true role models of love and learning to their three children and two grandchildren. Len was a kind and loving father to Anne Cannard (Kevin), Timothy J. Whistler (Maria Gorrick), and Claire E. Whistler. He was also a cherished and proud granddad to Andrew J. Cannard and Kathryn Grace Cannard.

Along with his devotion to family, Len was a passionate reader, learner and traveler. He and Kate traveled extensively well into their late 80's including trips to China, an African safari and numerous other adventures.

There are so many treasured memories of Len for those fortunate enough to have known him. His kindness and dry sense of humor. His knowledge of the world, history and continued interest in the place of the United States in history. He will be greatly missed yet always in our hearts, guiding us to live our lives to the fullest, to be good to one another, and to make the world a better place in ways both large and small.

A memorial service will take place on August 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Potomac, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church.