Leonard H Smith

Leonard Hogan Smith, loving husband and father started a new adventure with the Lord on June 10, 2020.

Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Leonard and mother, Pat. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his three children, Jennifer Cunningham, Jason and Heather Smith. His brothers Tom Smith, Gary and Linus Lorenzen. His grandchildren, Garret, Candace, Bobbie, Jeremiah, Iosha, and Jayden and his great grandchildren, Wayden and Jaxsin. Also several nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sister in laws and numerous friends that he considered his family. Of course we can’t forget his rodent chasing Schnauzer Rizzo and his sweet Cockatiel Dexter.

Leonard was born December 28, 1949 in San Diego, California to Leonard and Pat Smith. A few years later they moved to Rio Dell. After that, they moved to Fortuna. Leonard graduated from St. Bernards High School in 1969. He moved to Eureka one year before he graduated. Leonard had a passion for music. In 1967 he started singing for St. Bernards High School in a musical called “Up With People”. He surprised most of his schoolmates and teachers with his beautiful voice. After High School he was the Lead Singer for several local bands. My brother Lawrence was always excited when he knew the band Straight Shot was playing at the Vance Log Cabin. He would always buy his favorite singer, Leonard, a beer. Some of you might remember the band Dirt Cheap. He was the lead singer in the 70’s and played at Mad River Rose in Blue Lake, The Keg and Jambalaya in Arcata.

Leonard also had a love for traveling. We visited several European countries, Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada and several states. Our favorite parts about traveling were the history, culture and art. We have many cherished memories and wonderful experiences from each of our vacations.

July 10, 1978 Leonard and I met on a blind date. We went to Tonis and talked for hours. It was Love at first sight and we were inseparable from that day on. We were married at my mother’s house in Arcata, on December 24, 1978. We moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1979, where we raised our children. Leonard worked 4 years for Lockheed Shipyard. His next job was working in the financial department for Boeing for 11 years. While working for Boeing, Leonard obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration. We had a home built above Lake Sammamish in Redmond, Washington. We lived there for 13 wonderful years. In 1994 we decided to move back to Humboldt County to be closer to our families and nature. He started working for Sysco Foodsales in 1996. In 2009 he worked at S&L Food Sales Company from Chico, California. He enjoyed this company the best. He treated his customers like friends and would do just about anything for them.

Leonard loved being with his family and they all loved being with him. He had a special smile and laughter that made everyone around him happy. Last summer we took a road trip with our children and grandchildren to Reno, Nevada where Leonard’s oldest daughter lived. Thechildren were able to ride Jennifer’s horses and Bill’s Harley. It will be a vacation we will cherish forever. He enjoyed playing war games with his three brothers. Sometimes these games would last for several hours and even overnight. It was bonding time for the brothers. Leonard loved sports. His favorite by far was Basketball. While living in Washington he went to several Seattle Sonics games. In 1979 Leonard was so excited when the Sonics won the NBA World Championship. He played on several teams in both elementary and high school. He joined several adult leagues in Washington and Humboldt County. He coached his son and daughter’s teams in Redmond, Washington for three years. Leonard enjoyed Fantasy Football leagues for the last 24 years.

His passion for music/singing continued when he started performing Karaoke at Blue Lake Casino in 2004. He continued for 15 glorious years! He enjoyed making everyone feel at home. He sang his heart out and everyone else felt comfortable singing on stage. Leonard told me that Karaoke was his release. He absolutely loved it and enjoyed the crowd having a good time. Many of us had the joy of knowing this wonderful man. He was always kind, hilarious (whether he meant to be or not) and wished the best for everyone. Thank you, Leonard for all the songs, the laughs and great memories. Karaoke will never be the same!

Thank you sweetheart for all of your love, support, laughs and great memories. The world honestly lost a precious gem and the heavens gained a songbird. You are truly missed and loved by many. You were, and always will be, the love of my life. We will be seeing you again in heaven.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions Leonard’s internment is strictly limited and closed to the public. A celebration of life will be considered at a later date. Leonard’s ashes will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery, 1757 J Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Thank you Paul’s Chapel for your support and services.

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