The memorial service and reception for Richard C. Leonard, Jr. will no longer be held on April 4th due to the recent public safety concerns. The family will hold a private burial service.

The Leonard family would like to thank all those at Woodstock Terrace, Hospice, family and friends for their wonderful care and support. The family hopes to celebrate Richards life at a later date.

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Richard C. Leonard Jr, age 93, died on Saturday, February 15 at The Terrace in Woodstock, Vermont. He was born at home in North Pomfret, Vermont, on June 22, 1926, the eldest son of Richard and Marietta (Billings) Leonard.

Richard was predeceased by his loving wife of more than 70 years, Jane Barnett Leonard; by an infant son, Steven Harvey Leonard; by his grandson Samuel Barnett Leonard, and by his brothers Gordon, Wendall, and Ronald. He is survived by his brothers Everett and Rodney; by his six children: Janice (Leonard) Morrow of Winter Haven, Fl; Thomas Leonard of Hartland, Vt; Wayne Leonard of Woodstock, Vt; Douglas Leonard, of Woodstock; Marshall Leonard of Jeffersonville, Vt; and Susan (Leonard) Toll of Harvard, Ma.; and by his 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Richard attended the North Pomfret Elementary School, and was taught by his mother there for several years. He attended Woodstock High School, and was the pitcher for the Woodstock Wasps Baseball team, batting .500 his senior year. He was also a member of the Cadet Army Air Corps during his high school years. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was sent to Denver, Colorado to work on B-29 Bombers. His next duty assignment took him to Pratt, Kansas where he met Jane Barnett. Following his release from active duty, he took the train back to Kansas to propose to the girl who had promised to "wait for him." A few months later, Jane came to Vermont and they were married in Woodstock on May 14, 1947.

After working for the Woodstock Electric Company for several years, Richard went into business for himself. He then hired two other men to help him. Within a few more years, he and Jane established Leonard's Gas and Electric Service on Elm Street in Woodstock. The company grew and moved to West Woodstock where it was in business for more than 40 years.

When entertaining their family and friends, Richard was often found manning the grill while Jane supervised everything else. Richard always had several large gardens in the summer. In the fall, he was an avid deer hunter. He had his pilot's license and owned a small plane for many years. He also enjoyed woodworking. Winter months found him making maple syrup, reading or playing cards. Richard and Jane especially enjoyed traveling together and saw much of the world, from Greece, Italy, and Hawaii to RV trips that took them to Alaska, Central America, and across the US. For many years they enjoyed being "snowbirds", as they divided their time between their home in Woodstock and their home in Lake Hamilton, Florida.

Richard served on the Woodstock School Board, including a term as President. He also served on the board of the Health Center and in that capacity, helped to facilitate the creation of the Merten's House. Richard and Jane were also strong supporters of the Thompson Senior Center. He will be remembered for his wonderful storytelling. His greatest joy came from presiding over large family parties, where he was Pop to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the North Pomfret Congregational Church, 7767 Pomfret Road, North Pomfret, Vt 05053 or to the ABLE Library, Vermont Department of Libraries, 60 Washington St, Suite 2, Barre, Vt 05641.

The Cabot Funeral Home is assisting the Leonard family. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com