- Date Of Birth: June 4, 1934
- Date Of Death: December 20, 2020
- State: Idaho
Leonard was born June 4, 1934 to Arthur and Alice McCall in Yuma, Colorado. He was born fourth in a family of ten children. As a young child, life on the farm consisted of helping with the animals, working in the garden with his mom, taking care of his younger siblings, and going to a one-room country schoolhouse. He would run out in the pastures rounding up the cows and helping with the milking, separating and collecting the cream to sell for grocery money for the family.
Leonard’s dad dug basements with a team of horses and a slip. All the boys were helped run the cement and with the construction. Living in the country meant catching a ride to high school and then chores when he got home. He wanted to help his parents any way he could and was always helping repair and paint their homes. That started his love of painting.
Leonard and his brother often worked for local farmers and brother Earl learned to fly the farmers plane. One day they flew to a far-out field and crashed the farmers plane. They were both unhurt and had a great story to tell. Many times, in the fall months, they picked corn by hand and had great competitions on who could pick the most bushels in a given time.
Leonard served his country in the Army in Korea. Leonard volunteered for duty in Korea so he could see foreign soil. It always gave him a laugh as he was a motor pool clerk with no typing experience.
Back home in Yuma, he co-owned and operated the Conoco Station built by his dad, family and others.
In 1959, Leonard and Vivian were married in Yuma and began 61 years together. The welcomed sons, Gregory Lin and Geren Matthew.
Leonard was also a driver for Standard Oil and was responsible for keeping the farmers tanks full and delivered chemicals to local crop dusters. When his deliveries were complete, his boss would tell him to take time off, go home and work on his painting commitments. This began his career he truly loved.
No building was too ugly or too high or too difficult for him.
Leonard was a Christian from early adulthood and grew in faith finding strength and much joy with daily devotions – sharing his certainty of heaven and his love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly served the Lord by serving others. Sometimes painting for folks just because he could and was glad to help others. Leonard and Vivian owned and managed several rental properties and enjoyed keeping them looking good. Leonard served on the Board of Nampa Christian School and was an eager helper there and really enjoyed setting up for the annual auction. He shared with his sons the great feeling of a job well done and satisfaction and joy he had with his work. Leonard has been described as the “hardest working man ever”.
Leonard and Vivian shared many family vacations with their siblings & spouses. Grandchildren were always a joy and blessing and it was a blessing having them close by. He was a strong and well person and his sickness was only a short time.
He leaves wife, Vivian, son Geren and wife Candi; grandchildren Bethany, Steven, Joseph and Nathaniel McCall, Caleb, wife Naomi and baby Luke Baker and Brianna Baker. His brothers Gary McCall (Virginia) and Dale McCall; sisters Doris Smith (Gene), Evelyn Henry, and many extended family and friends he cherished. He is predeceased in death by his son Greg and siblings Jess, Jean, Earl and parents.
We are so grateful for his upbeat, can do spirit. While we will miss him every day, we are so thankful for the certainty of heaven and eternity with Jesus.
