Gerald Dean Leonard

Biography

To view the Funeral Service for Gerald "Sam" Leonard, please click on the following link:
Funeral Service at Yosemite Lakes Community Church in Coarsgold, CA

Gerald "Sam" Leonard was born to Frank and Eleanor Leonard on November 6, 1941 in Usona, CA in a log cabin. Sam served in the U.S. Navy in the late 50's and returned to school after his service to his country. He worked for Xerox and retired after 20 years of employment.  Sam and Judy built and opened a feed store in Raymond, bought some cows and settled into retirement. Throughout his life he rodeoed as a saddle bronk rider, was a member of the California Cowboys Assn. And the California Indian Rodeo Assn. Sam was proud of his Miwok Indian Heritage and played on various Indian baseball teams as well as rodeos. He played the guitar and sang for various country western bands he created. Sam was also a logger and a Mule Packer in Yosemite Nat. Park. His Grandfather, Archie Leonard was the First Park Ranger in Yosemite and Escorted Pres. Teddy Roosevelt on his visit to the Park. Sam and Judy were the Grand Marshals of the Raymond Parade in 2006. Sam and Judy were married for 43 Years.

Sam was preceded by his parents and a Brother Orville Leonard. He is survived by his children; David Leonard Ferranti and his wife Cheryl of Bay City, MI, Lorre Leonard and Kim Leonard Preston and her husband Darin, all of Raymond, CA his siblings, Frank Leonard and his wife Virginia of CO., Towser Leonard of Ahwahnee, CA, Mildred Card and her husband Norman of Mariposa and Bill Leonard and his wife Pam of Mariposa. He was the Grandfather of Matthew Leonard Ferranti, Hannah Leonard Ferranti, Danielle Benedetti, Jessica Byrd, Brandon Byrd, Shelby Preston, Samantha Preston, Sarah Preston and Emmet Preston.

Service will be held at Yosemite Lake Community Church in Y.L.P. on Sat. Jan.23, 2010 at 1:30 PM with a private family burial in Mariposa. Under the direction of Jay Chapel, Madera, CA