GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 14 - October 2010

In Memory of the captAIn T here was a day many years ago that I recall quite well. A warm summer day with clear blue skies, which was a very pleasant change from the normal Pacific Northwest weather. But, what I remember most from that day was learning of a tragedy. Allan and Patricia Leonard, two of the most kind and sincere people I had ever known, lost their youngest daughter, Jessica, in a car accident. I have never wept so hard over the death of a person I didn’t have the chance to meet. I cried because I was so saddened by the suffering of two of the sweetest individuals I have ever called my friends. I cannot imagine — nor do I want to imagine — losing a child. The thought alone is unbearable, but Allan and Patty had to live through it. They took that pain with them as the industry spiraled downward after UIGEA and then the economic crisis. They kept moving forward as their income fell and their home was burglarized. They suffered privately as Patty developed lung disease and the hospital bills devoured their savings. All the while, Allan kept laughing and smiling on the outside. There were many phone calls over the years when the “Captain” had a few too many. He was unique and hilarious, and it was fun to listen to him tell his stories and ramble on. But over the past few months, the dark weight of the world began to catch up with him. Still, no matter how bad things were personally, Allan always made sure he told you just how much he loved you every time you spoke . . . and he did love people. Allan’s spirit was unbreakable. Unfor- tunately, his great big heart was not as strong. I believe I am a better man for hav- ing known him, and the fact that someone of his character considered me to be his friend is humbling. In hindsight, we can all see that the Captain was a devastated soul. He was never really the same after he lost his little girl, but who among us would be? Only a few people have ever had to ex- perience the sort of pain and loss that Al- lan and Patty went through over the past several years. And, God willing, none of us ever will. By J. Todd ALLAN LEONARD 1958-2010 68 In memory of the Captain