Michael Leonard

Leonard, Michael Reese beloved brother, uncle and friend, passed away January 22, 2021 in Brighton Michigan, he had a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. Michael was born April 21st in Williamsport Pennsylvania, to the former Margaret (Reese) and Elwin Leonard who preceded him in death. The family moved to Kalamazoo MI. where he attended and graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1960. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Bradley University, and Masters in Library Science from Indiana University, Bloomington. Michael worked and touched many people's lives along the way in various places, the Kalamazoo Public, Wayne State, and Jacksonville NC library's. He then spent many years in the 80's working for the Charleston County Public Library. He organized and ran the Piccolo Spoleto Children's Festival 1985-89. After hurricane Hugo, he decided to make the move back to Chicago Illinois where he had lived years earlier. He retired from the Chicago Public Library System in 2004, he continued teaching library classes at Dominican University in Chicago several years before and after his retirement. Michael loved the finer things in life, he had a great passion for the arts, he loved classical music, the opera, the theater, museums, and of course fine dining. He was a fabulous cook and loved to entertain. Michael also loved to travel with his friends, especially the transatlantic cruises with Jeffrey, Bob & Doug. He was the best tour guide wherever he lived, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of all things. Michael was a devoted Catholic, he enjoyed being a lector during mass, telling a story is what he did best. He was a master story teller. He conducted numerous storytelling workshops for teachers and librarians, on the Art of Storytelling. Michael spent the last few years of his life in Ann Arbor, unfortunately his health no longer allowed him to travel and do all the things he loved to do. His sisters Ann (Greg) Frisinger, Mary (Jeff) Mennes, Brother Richard Leonard, (Tami Furman) (Beth Bies). Tom (Nancy) Leonard who preceded him in death. Nieces Tori (Paul) VanNus, Lindsey (Dan) Luyk, Brooke Leonard, Nephews Dylan (Brook) Mennes, Chad and Brad Leonard, Jodi and Courtney Cool. The greats-(Morgan, Braxden, Andrew, Alyssa, Adam, Samuel, Carter, Aubrey, Amelia and Haisley) Some of his special friends that are now our friends too: Pauline, Steve, Ina, Ray, Jeffrey, Bob, Rose, Tony, Ellen, Michael, Richard, Doug, Sandra, Elaine, Stan & Adrian. Betty, Sandy & Diane from High school, and so many more. We thank you all for being such good friends. Michael will be cremated and buried alongside his parents at Riverview Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Plans will be made in the spring, so that lots of tulips (Michael's favorite) can be present. Family and friends will be notified with future arrangements. Mass will be said for Michael at a future date at Saint Matthias and St. Ita in Chicago, along with a celebration with his friends, as soon as it is healthy and safe to do so. My wish is for everyone to just pause, and remember Michael. Do something kind for someone that may not be like you, or think like you. We are all in a tippy ship trying to get to shore. -Ann