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Richard Leonards Obituary
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, trusted friend, and retired pediatrician, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his devoted family on September 17, 2013. He was born in Shafter, California, on November 7, 1925. At six years of age, he knew he wanted to be a doctor. His passion for medicine led him to UCLA for his undergraduate studies and Stanford University for his medical degree. As part of his professional career, he served on the Board of Directors at California Pacific Medical Center and was Vice Chief of Pediatrics and Acting Chief of Pediatrics. He served on the American Board of Pediatrics from 1972 to 1995.
Richard loved the French horn and played music with the Bohemian Club for many decades. He was an outdoor enthusiast with farm boy strength who scaled mountains and rode century bike rides in his seventies. His love of the nature, medicine, music, children, church, and family prompted him to support a wide range of institutions. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, or any organization of your choice that helps children, protects the environment, or supports the arts.
Dr. Leonards, affectionately known as Gappa by his loving family, is survived by three daughters, Tanya Renner, Janet Leonards, and Elizabeth Ekenstedt, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The celebration of his life is on Saturday, September 28th, at 11:00am, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Leonards
Catherine Lisk
September 29, 2013
Dr. Leonards or as I called him Uncle Dick was a great Uncle. He was fun to be around and so caring, loving and kind. He accomplished so many things in his lifetime and did so much good in this world. May you rest in peace Uncle Dick with my beloved Aunt Betty.
Louis Mitchell
September 29, 2013
Dr. Leonards was my occasional pediatrician whenever my regular one, Dr. John Piel wasn't available. My Dad also did a lot of carpentry work at his California St office so I would see Dr. Leonards on some of those occasions. I remember him well. R.I.P. The fond memories will always be there.
Kurt Beale
September 28, 2013
Dr. Leonards was our family doctor for the five children. When I was 14 I acquired a bad staph infection and was hospitalized. I was in Children's Hospital with my condition deteriorating until Dr. Leonards stormed in. He said, as he was reading my charts and approaching my room "What, no pemicillin? This kid was born in 1957. He was raised on penicillan!!
When he came in the room, he said
"I've been caring for you since you were born and the first time I have gone on away you get sick. Let's get you better so you can get out of here."
Dr. Leonards will never be far from my heart, or that of my entire family.
Manuela Galindo
September 27, 2013
Dr. Leonards was our family doctor when house calls where made. I continued to call on him as a teen and when my son was born in 1979. A lovley man who exhanged Christmas cards with me for many years - I sent notes updating life of my siblings and son. I will certainly miss hearing from him this holiday season. He will always be with me in spirit. How will I forget his chasing me around the room to give me a shot! An excellent physician - such patience and great knowledge. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Manuela - San Francisco
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FAMILY CALVILLO
September 27, 2013
So many fond memories of Dr. Leonards. Just found out that his practice (back in the day)treated my father and aunts and then Dr. Leonards and the doctors in the 60' - present treated the Calvillo kids (Rhode Island Street, SF), nieces, nephew and now the office treats the 4th generation of Calvillo's. Home visits was a good time until it came time for shots. Dr. Leonards said "if there is a disease out there the Calvillo kids would know". In 1963 my youngest brother and I came down with whooping cough ended up at Children's hospital for a stay. Best memory was when he told a nurse "Linda knows what her mother feeds her brother, so listen to her!" I was only six years old. The nurse was never allowed back in our hospital room.
When we turned 21 Dr. Leonards in his very best voice told us "we need to see a GROWN UP" doctor he only treated children, SO what does that have to do with "US". Hearts broken we did move on but NEVER forgot DR.LEONARDS!
You will be missed.
The Calvillo Family from San Francisco and Harrington Family, SF
Jay Valentine
September 27, 2013
Tanya, I saw your father's obituary in the SF Chronicle Friday morning. I am sorry for your loss. You must be feeling so many things right now. Please contact me.
Jay Valentine (510) 835-4052. If you call please leave a phone number where I can reach you.
Karl Beale
September 26, 2013
Dr Leonards was the one and only family pediatrician for me and my four siblings as well as a personal friend of my father. His office - with the funny black & white photos of different kids (one kid wearing a bowl of dripping spaghetti), magazines for kids, and a really nice staff added up to make doctors visits tolerable. Dr Leonards also made plenty of house calls but I best remember one office visit when he taught me how to make getting a shot almost painless. It was as simple as relaxing and having trust. Good advice that I've also found vital outside a doctor's office.
My condolences to the Leonards family and to his friends for the loss of this warm admirable man.
Amy Barish
September 26, 2013
Dr. Leonards was my pediatrian when he had an office on Main Street in Tiburon. I remember going to him 2x a week for many years for allergy shots. He was my Dr. until I graduated from College. Nice man and great Doctor. He will be missed.
Wilhelmina Schnitzer
September 26, 2013
Dr. Leonards was my daughters pediatrician many years ago . Wonderful Dr. He had a call
In hour in the early am for new moms . After his swim in the Lagoon .. I was fortunate to have him so accessible when my daughter was born. Especially after I eat strawberries and she turned polka dot .. Don't worry he said just cut out the strawberries ..I did not know anything . RIP Doctor Leonards .
September 25, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. Did Dr Leonards attend any of the Shafter CA schools; Maple, Richland, or Shafter High? hg
September 25, 2013
Dr Leonards was my pediatrician a very, very long time ago! Back in the day, when doctors made house calls, Dr. Leonards would come by for my frequent ear aches. He often had to give me a shot of penicillin. I'm afraid I kicked him a few times...but he was a rugged guy, apparently! Sorry for the kicks. And thanks for keeping me healthy.
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