Bruce W. Leonard

1958 - 2021

BORN

1958

DIED

2021

Bruce Leonard Obituary

Beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, Bruce William Leonard, 63, passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2021, in Durango, Colorado. Bruce was born January 14, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Leonard and Arlene Palickee. Bruce leaves behind his wife Joanie Leonard, mother Arlene Palickee, sisters Martha Leahy (Pat) and Nancy Koenig, and his twin brother Bill Leonard (Sandy). He was preceded in death by his father William Leonard. He was a much-loved uncle, brother-in-law, and stepfather.

Bruce loved everything Chicago and spent 26 years working in the print industry there. He especially loved escaping to his cottage in Michigan on the weekends, often dragging one or more family members along. His cottage was a popular gathering place where he hosted many barbecues with family and friends. Evenings would end drinking beer and regaling the day's activities around the cottage fire pit. He loved spending time at the beaches of Lake Michigan, hiking at Warren Woods, fishing the rivers, and cycling all the back roads.

For years, Bruce would visit his cousin, Vicki Love, in Durango, and always said he would eventually move there. Finally, after 53 years of living in Chicago, he got his chance. Bruce met Joanie, the love of his life, on a destined Thanksgiving Day 2010 in Chicago, moved to Durango in 2011, and they were married May 20, 2017. After settling in his new town, Bruce became a bus driver for Durango 9R school district where all the children and parents grew to love him. Ever the avid outdoorsman, in his spare time he would ride his bike, hike, ski, and snowboard. When his wife gifted him a fly rod and reel his first Christmas in Colorado, he soon discovered his true artistic passion: fly fishing. Bruce perfected it like no other, and loved spending time on the rivers fly fishing with Joanie and his many friends. His new passion also found him working for the San Juan Angler, both in the shop and as a fishing guide, which he greatly enjoyed. He loved sharing his skills with the many people of all ages that he would guide along the rivers of southwest Colorado and New Mexico. Bruce was always a great storyteller, and his friends easily recount his colorful stories. His fun-loving personality is greatly missed by many and leaves a void that cannot be filled.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early summer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pine River Times on Apr. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Leonard

7 Entries

Pam

January 15, 2022

Bruce and I met at Top Deck in Wisconsin when we were both 18 years old. We danced the night away to Ziggy and the Zoo. From that day Bruce and I became very good friends and as years past we grew apart. I'm not sure why we grew apart but one of us would eventually reach out and we'd talk again, meet for lunch and then go off our separate ways again. I never knew anyone in his family besides his Mom and a few of his friends. I remember his love for Neil Young and many other good times we had together. We had a different but special friendship. Today was one of those days that I was trying to find Bruce and instead found this sad news. I will miss you Bruce and my thoughts and prayers go out to your wife and family.

Kirk Liepold

April 21, 2021

I grew up with Bruce & Bill and like all, I'm so saddened to learn of his passing. He was one of my best friends growing up. Always easy going & a pleasure to be around. I'm blessed to have so many great memories of times we shared from grade school thru college & beyond. My heart goes out to all his family & friends who have lost a truly unique & great guy. RIP old friend ! You will be missed but never forgotten.

Dean Okun

April 21, 2021

Bruce changed my life for the best! His neighbor and friend for over 14 years in our lofts of ukrainian village. The first day I met him, he asked me if I rode bikes. I didn't...he said "I work at blazing saddles, come see me!" The rest is history. We spent so many miles together! I'll never forget our 120 mile ride to South Haven Michigan!!! He was kind and generous man. I think of him every time I throw my leg over my toptube. May the wind be at your back old friend.

Lauren Koenig

April 19, 2021

My siblings, cousins, and I were so lucky to call him our uncle.

Sue Lockhart

April 2, 2021

What an amazing man. So glad my sister found him! I’m so glad we got to know him on the Yellowstone camping trip and Joanie and his trip to visit once in San Diego. We had planned to visit Durango after retirement and do some fishing. We are so heartbroken he is gone. Much love to his family.

Char Day

April 1, 2021

Bruce was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed so much. My heart goes out to Joanie during these hard times. He left us too soon.

Dennis and Maria Simmons

April 1, 2021

Bruce was a kind, positive and happy person. On many occasions we stopped by the San Juan Angler to say hello and he always had good story to share. We think of him each time we pass by the SJA. We are heartbroken by this loss and offer our condolences to Joanie and the family. Sending love, Dennis and Maria Simmons.

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