Leonard died March 19th. He was born on January 10, 1923, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Hannah Beesley and Jack Lewis. He was the youngest of their three sons; his brothers Myron Lewis and Max B. Lewis preceded him in death. Leonard met and married Lois Ann Cannon, "his wife and love of 63 years," who he missed greatly after her death in 2010.
As a young man, Leonard was a dedicated scholar and an Idaho State and Western States debate champion, graduating high school as valedictorian. Leonard served in the Army Specialized Training Program from 1943-1946. After the Army, Leonard continued his academic excellence at the University of Utah, where he received a B.S. degree in 1947. At the U of U, Leonard was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, serving as President, where he made many lifelong friends. He then attended Stanford Law School where he won the California State Traynor competition for law students as well as the California award for excellence in legal writing. After graduation from Stanford, he joined Van Cott Bagley Cornwall and McCarthy, where he practiced law for over 45 years. Under his management, the firm grew to over 75 lawyers. He was respected, mentoring others and leading by example in professionalism and passion for the law. His dedication was reflected in his receipt of the Utah State Bar Distinguished Lawyer of the Year Award.
His contributions to the community included being chairman of the Utah State Building Board; chairman of the Committee on Health Science Affairs; chairman of the Board of State Parks and Recreation; member of the boards of the U of U Hospital, YMCA, U of U Board of Trustees, Rowland Hall, the Stanford Law School Board of Visitors; and co-founder of the Utah Center for Law and Justice. He and Lois Ann were strong supporters of the U of U, U of U Orthopedic Center, Stanford Law School, public spaces in Teton Valley, Idaho, and the Arts in Salt Lake City.
Leonard is survived by four children: Leslie Ann, John, James (Carol), and Janet, each of whom graduated from law school. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Emily Lewis McMaster (Will), Katie Lewis-Kooring, J.D. Lewis (Kelsey), and Grace Ann Li Lewis, and two great grandchildren: Ruby and Mabel McMaster.
His great loves included his family, the beauty of Wyoming and his ranch in the Tetons, and the law. He was a dedicated father and grandfather. He loved nature and spending time with family and their friends at the ranch in Wyoming. His passing has left a huge void, not only in his family, but also in the community and in the lives this amazing man touched.
A celebration of his life will be held at Red Butte Gardens on Saturday the 28th of March at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributing to the charity of your choice.
