STRANGE, Leonard Eugene (Gene)

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, December 05, 2012 Leonard Eugene Strange was born to Leonard E. Sr. and Fern Strange on Nov 25, 1934 in Winona, Kan. He passed away Nov. 3 at his home in Wickenburg. Also known as “Gene” by friends and family, he is survived by his wife Barbara Ann, to whom he was happily married for 57 years; and his son Joe (wife Heather) Strange; and preceded in death by his son Nicholas, also survived by siblings Tom, Ruth, Jim, and Vickie. Leonard grew up in Winona, Kan. He served in the Army and had great stories about his posting to Ft. Churchill, Canada. He retired from Mountain Bell in Denver after 35-plus years and still kept in touch with many of the friends he made there. Leonard and Barbara moved to Buena Vista, Colo., in 1986 where they loved living on the Arkansas River, fishing, and exploring the rivers and back roads. They built their own barn that served as a shop for Leonard’s business, locally known as The Fix-it Shop and Willow Bend Shops. The many years they lived there and the friends they made were enduring memories. In 2004 they moved to Wickenburg, where they enjoyed true retirement and making new friends, many of whom shared a love of dogs and frequented the local dog park. Leonard had a lifelong interest in trains and the great American railroads. Everyone loved Leonard for his wonderful can-do attitude and his humor. He would do anything for his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed. Arrangements are handled by David’s Desert Chapel.