LEEDS, Danny Edwin (Dan)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/15/2014 Danny Edwin Leeds On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, this earth lost one of its finest servants but heaven surely greeted him well. Dan E. Leeds: friend, leader, patriot, builder, conservationist, believer, historian, soldier, defender, family man, devoted son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather. He would use few words to describe his love for the mountains but the way he conserved it, protected it and educated others about it, was all one needed to know about how he felt. His incredible integrity wouldn’t lead him to exaggerate about the size fish he caught. His honor wouldn’t lead him to say a negative word about anyone, except a few politicians. His heart wouldn’t lead him to pass a person in need without rendering aid. His intelligence wouldn’t lead him to forget a date or a forest fire or where he put that spare truck part. His humility wouldn’t lead him to serve himself before making sure all those around him were taken care of. Dan was born Oct. 10, 1940, in Phoenix to Arthur Edwin and Lydia Mae Leeds. Raised in Greer, he attended the Greer one-room grade school on the hill. After graduating from Round Valley High School, he worked in the family business known as Leeds Northwoods Logging. Dan served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a tracked vehicle mechanic and was deployed to Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He completed service in the reserves after achieving the rank of staff sergeant. His honorable discharge was always proudly displayed. He attended Arizona State College (now Northern Arizona University) and studied forestry; it’s where he met and married Virginia. Dan and Virginia returned to his childhood home in Greer and bought the family logging and sawmill business. He continued this gratifying work logging many areas throughout the White Mountains he loved until the day he passed. Dan and his father, Art, along with other Greer residents saw the need to start the Greer Fire Department after the Tragedy Fire in 1971. In 1979, the Greer Fire District was formed and he served as chairman of the board from its inception until his passing. He was diligent in maintaining the fire trucks and equipment at the fire stations ensuring they were always ready for use. Dan loved being a father of three boys, John, Daniel and Arthur. The family enjoyed fishing, hunting and scouting. He also shared the legacy of the family business with his sons and the value of hard work. In most recent years, he enjoyed his grandchildren as fishing companions and hiking explorers as he shared with them his knowledge, love and experience of this land. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend their birthday parties or sporting events, always with video camera in hand. Volunteering and serving his community was a top priority. If there was ever a task, no matter how difficult, he was the one that residents could count on. He served cheerfully, wholeheartedly and with character beyond reproach just as he lived his life. He will be remembered for his unparalleled service to others and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dan is survived by his sons, Daniel Leeds (Amy) of Eagar; Arthur Leeds (Sonja) of Flagstaff; sister June Leeds Schell (Marvin) of Austin, Texas; grandchildren John, Riley, Adison and Krista; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and son John Leeds. A public viewing was held Aug. 12 at Burnham Mortuary in Eagar with funeral services Aug. 13 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eagar Stake Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greer Fire District or Boy Scouts of America-Grand Canyon Council. Dan always advocated community service and volunteerism. Thank you to the great people of Greer, Round Valley and the LDS Church for all of the love, outreach and support. Semper Fi! If you would like to leave an online condolence for Dan’s family, visit website www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.