About My Name
My first name and birth certificate read Ervin Bye Leonard.
Then my parents had a change of heart and were given another birth certificate a
short time later that read Paul Bert Leonard. Down the road a few short years,
I came to be known as Jackie Leonard, so this gave me a few aliases to work
with so, to end this, my social security registration reads Jackie Paul
Leonard. How did I get the name "Jackie"? I was a child who did not
like to stay home and help with the many chores that Mother had for us. This
one Saturday, at an early age, I had taken off to go to the movie at the Star
Theatre. At this time, Jackie Coogan was a popular star. Well, I was only five
or six years old and, coming home over the railroad tracks on Carbon Avenue after
all day at the movies, with my bib overalls and one strap undone, a shoe
missing, I looked like a neglected child. The family was out looking for me. When
they saw me walking down the street, they said I looked just like Jackie Coogan
and so the name stuck. Some called me "Jack in the Box". I was rather small for my age and, when I was supposed to
enter the first grade, they thought I was too small, so mother said:
"Jackie, wait 'till you're seven years old. From then on, I decided to be
as big as other kids and took the next path and that was to be the best I could
be.
THE ETHNIC NEIGHBORHOOD
I was raised in a very pleasant ethnic neighborhood. The
French families, the Italian and Greek families had a strong influence in my
life. We all looked forward to Greek Easter, with the roasting of two or three
lambs in their back yard, eating Greek cheese, pastries and the main course --
Greek dancing, music and their colorful dress. These years, with the variety of
families in our neighborhood had a strong influence on me to appreciate all
people and enjoy their life styles.
GROWING UP IN PRICE
Playing roughneck basketball by Uncle Abe's corral was very
close to mayhem. During the summer of the late 1930's, a few of us would take a
small herd of cows from the Pitts family. We would get ten cents a day to take
them south of town for the day and herd them back at evening for milking. I tried
my hand at thinning sugar beets between Price and Wellington. It paid ten cents
a row. I am sure the rows were one half mile long and, after a few days, I
decided this was not for me. I would sooner be home helping there. When growing
up, I shined shoes with Rex, Don, Reid and Eben Powell, my cousins. It was a
time when the depression had not quite ended. Rex Powell made me a shoe shine
box, so I could be with them. We would shine shoes on Main Street and go into
the Greek coffee houses. Shoe shines were ten cents. After making many rounds
and earning enough for a Saturday matinee ticket of five cents, we would go to
the Utah Cafe and order a large hamburger for ten cents, with a bowl of soup for
ten cents and have enough left over for candy at the movie. At that time, there
were Flash Gordon serials plus others that made you want to go each week. There
were the original "Our Gang" comedies, Laurel and Hardy, the Three
Stooges, etc..
I started playing the drums, running and boxing. By the time
I got into Jr. High I had developed a few basic skills in these three areas. In
music at both the Jr. High and at High School, I became first chair drummer in
the bands. In track -- going to the BYU Track Meet -- I placed second in the
100-yard dash, first in the 220-yard-dash, first in the 440 relays and placed in
the top five in the broad jump. Our Scout Troop from the Price 3rd Ward, with
only five of us representing our ward, took first place in all events. This was a
wonderful time in my life.
MY BOXING CAREER
Then, to continue my goals, I kept working to build my body
structure. I knew if I could box I would not be the one to be picked on. As I
boxed, there were two matches that stand out in my mind. I was fifteen or
sixteen years old. Price and Helper were always very competitive. [Helper was
usually better in baseball and other sports] Well, a friend, Mike Kandaris from
Helper was a very good boxer and had won the AAU tournament in Salt Lake City.
I was the best from Price, supposedly, in this weight class. At tournament
time, the first match I had was with Kandaris in Price. I was nervous and
scared, as was my second in my corner, who was my nephew Jim Cima from Helper,
Birdie's oldest son. This boxing match was very important for both of us. At
the end of the three rounds, I was the winner. A few weeks later, we had a
rematch in the Helper Civic Auditorium and packed the house with a large boxing
card. Our boxing match was more or less the highlight. Again, I was very
nervous and scared, like going into the lion's den. Jim was in my corner and,
again, at the end of three rounds, I won the decision. It was a great feeling,
but I took a good beating. As for the rest of my boxing, I continued for about
a year in the Navy and some in college; then I gave it up when I got married.
The one thing I still have is the silk or satin boxing trunks made by Birdie
with my initials "J.L.". These I used until I stopped boxing.
THE "BOULDERS"
Gary, Ted, Bob and I would go over to the Boulders with Dad.
I remember once when Ted went with Grandpa and they were going down to the Lower
Bounds. When they came back they had a hundred and sixty or seventy fish. Ted
said he got tired of following Grandpa. Dad would make mulligan stew and
biscuits. We would snarf an entire two-quart jar of pears or peaches. We looked
like the Okies and the Arkies going to California.
WORLD WAR II
In high school, while in the 11th grade, World War II was
well under way. The year was 1942. I approached mother and dad; I wanted to
join the navy. I didn't want to be drafted into the army, as I weighed 118
pounds and still was not very big. The US. Navy was for me. After boot camp in Farragut,
Idaho, I requested for US. Naval Hospital Corpsman School and was accepted.
After graduation, I was sent to Bremerton Naval Hospital in the State of
Washington for more schooling. Then I was transferred to California into an advanced
medical unit called Lion #4. This was the early part of 1943.
There were some openings in an elite US. Navy Drum and Bugle
Corps. There were plenty of applications from excellent musicians. I thought I
could play the drums quite well and applied. After the solos and rudimentary presentations,
I became part of this precision marching team. Sometime later, I was sent
overseas into the Pacific Theater. I went into the Admiralty Islands. It was on
our arrival that the island was still in the process of being secured from hostile
forces. We landed to establish an advanced naval base hospital #15 on Manus
Island, to receive casualties only a few hours after being injured.
Another large island -- Los Negros -- was close by and it
was an Air Base for advanced forward flights and a base for crippled planes. As
the war progressed, the Admiralty Island became a large naval base for ships --
called a staging area. For the next year to eighteen months, I worked in the
orthopedic ward, which was a 120-bed unit and I became a Pharmacist's Mate. I
then became the head night Corpsman of these wings, which is the same as a head
nurse in our hospitals today. At that time, there were no female nurses. I spent
time aboard ships and had the great experience of being aboard the "Big
E"- the aircraft carrier Enterprise. I received four ribbons and two battle
stars. I went into the navy at the age of seventeen and was discharged when I
was twenty-one -- with ulcers.
In October of 1945, I was on my way home and I spent two
weeks in the naval hospital in Hawaii. Then a large naval fleet left Pearl
Harbor heading for New York through the Panama Canal. I spent two weeks in
Panama, then passed through the locks to the Atlantic side, up the East Coast,
into New York Harbor and up the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty, where
tugboats were spraying large columns of water; horns were blaring and the docks
were filled with thousands of people. We were part of the first large naval fleet
of war ships returning from the Pacific at the war's end. It was a thrilling and
beautiful sight to see the Statue of Liberty and what it stand for. I have an
album of the above history -- newspapers, pictures, etc..
MY SWEETHEART
Upon returning home, on leave from a convalescent hospital
in Ashbury Park, New Jersey, my cousin Rex Powell asked us to go over to Emery
County, especially Orangeville on Armistice Day, November 11, 1945. Rex said
there were a lot of beautiful girls called "Swamp Angels" there.
Well, being a navy man, I was ready for the trip and over we went and wouldn't
you know it there was a little blonde Swamp Angel. We danced all night to
Jewkes Orchestra. Her name was Violet Peacock. She was engaged to someone else.
It took her one day to give the ring back.
In December, I asked my sister Birdie if she would purchase
for me a set of wedding rings. A few days later I had them, traveled to
Orangeville, where I proposed in full uniform and on bended knee. Violet said
"yes". Six months later, on May 18, 1946 we were mam’ed.
Then, as I traveled this new part of my life, we spent the
next two years on a honeymoon. We had many things going for us -- trips, etc. I
was working for Safeways in 1946, but this interfered with Honeymoon time and
fishing, so I quit.
SPECIAL FAMILY MEMORIES
We made many fishing and camping trips into the Boulder
Mountains with "Birdie, Ernie, Pat and Geri and Little Ernie. Birdie would
phone up and say "Let's go to the Boulders," and off we would go. The
thing I enjoyed myself at this time was that Violet and I could sleep in one
sleeping bag.
BIRDIE AND ERNIE
I became close to Birdie and her family for many reasons.
She was to me a loving and caring big sister. I enjoyed going to Helper and
staying there and especially eating her delicious food. At times, she would
have me come and get her to go shopping and come to Price to visit with mother
and dad. Birdie at this time was starting to drive.
LEE AND FLORENCE
As I was growing up, I had many enjoyable and happy times
with Lee and Florence when he was stationed at Fort Douglas. When I was twelve
to fourteen, I would stay with them. Lee always was practicing the trumpet or
was blowing the mouthpiece.
EMMETT AND MADGE
With Emmett and Madge, at times, I would take Dad hunting
with Emmett's party in upper Joe's Valley, called East Mountain. Violet and I
really appreciated the time going to Orofino, Idaho with Stan and Beth for
Emmett's services and being asked to dedicate Emmett's grave. This was a very
special time for us being with Madge and family.
CLAIR AND BLANCHE
My brother, Clair and his wife Blanche, always welcomed me
into their home. When he worked for Safeway’s on West Temple and then moved to Provo,
it was a great time to visit with them. After Blanche passed away, Stan would
bring Clair with him to Joe's Valley. The times we went fishing, talking and
eating were fun times.
A STORY ABOUT THE LEONARD PERSONALITY
I have to tell the story about Stan and Clair when they were
at our cabin in Joe's Valley. We have a small garden spot. While I was at work
in Castle Dale, they decided to plant potatoes. Clair decided he was the only
one to cut potatoes. They both had their own way to do the rows -- Clair with
string. Stan said: "No, it takes too much time. I can make them just as
straight with a hoe.” Anyway, Beth and Violet thought: "Well, let's go
down without them seeing us and take some pictures." Clair had planted two
very straight rows with the string method. Stan had planted the whole rest of
the garden. The Leonards each did it "the right way" -- their own
way! Well, the potatoes were planted according to united agreement but, after many
pictures were taken, they found out that the camera had no film. Too bad!
MAX AND JEAN
When I was growing up, my brother, Max, would cut my hair
and would keep me in check. Many times, Dad, Max, Violet and I played cards,
especially hearts. They were tough games we all hated to lose. Many times, we
loaded up the Willy Knight -- mattresses on top of the car -- and headed for
Fremont and Boulder Mountains for a week or two of fishing. We would be in
trouble even if we went for a day or two, so we decided we might as well go for
a longer time. In 1990, Max, Jean, Stan, Beth, Violet and I retraced our
times with Dad -- 58 years ago -- from Fremont to the Boulder Mountains.
STAN AND BETH
When I was thirteen years old, I was staying with my brother
Stan and his wife Beth. While I was there, I had an attack of appendicitis and
they rushed me to LDS Hospital for surgery. I recovered at their house after
ten days in the hospital. They were wonderful to me. In later years, after I
was married, we went on many trips in their motor home. For over twenty years,
they would come to our cabin in Joe's Valley, spending time, resting, reading,
fishing, eating and visiting as family. These times were most precious in my
memories. They were a loving and caring brother and sister-in-law. How much I
love you! In 1990, Max and Jean invited us with Stanley and Beth to
spend a couple of weeks at their home in El Cajon, California. The swimming
pool, delicious food and sightseeing were great.
CLARE AND EVELYN
Clare and Evelyn -- what can I say about a loving and caring
sister? How blessed our family has been! I have so many good and wonderful
memories -- Ted, Gary, Steve, Joyce -- it seems we grew up together. With the
boys, we went fishing and camping with Dad for as long as I can remember. And,
to this very day, we have a wonderful and loving bonding to Clare. He gave so
much strength and love to the family. To mother, he was very special. The
strength we have received from all of them has made our family better.
Clare and Evelyn have a wonderful, caring family. My
relationship with Ted, Gary and Steve has been a lifetime of joy and
companionship. Our hunting, fishing, boating and just visiting with each other's
families have been a choice blessing. My life has been made richer by their
companionship.
BOB AND GOLDA
My younger brother, Bob, his wife Golda and their daughters
have been very close to us. I think of many years of being together as our
families grew up together, the years of having them down to Joe's Valley --
fishing, boating, the closeness over the years and just being together. I have
appreciated the love and concern they all have shown. I have relied on Bob for
many things and he has always been there. He and Golda have been a source of strength
and love to our family. I am so grateful!
FAMILY REUNIONS
In the early 1970's, Paul Leonard and Gregg Powell just back
off missions, revived the Leonard/Powell reunion. They knew the importance of keeping
family together and to remind us of our rich heritage. The pioneer spirit still
lives on in our family. The Leonard Reunion has been another wonderful part of
bringing and keeping our heritage and ancestors' histories alive. I am grateful
for all that is being done in temple work and genealogy. I hope that I may be
part in keeping our family history alive.
EASTERS AT THE "ROCKS"
In the early part of the 1950's, on Easter the Leonard’s and
Powell’s would go to what we called the Rocks, outside Cleveland in Emery
County. We made it an annual affair. Don and Doris with their young family,
along with Uncle Abe and Aunt Ruby, Violet and I along with our family, with
Mother and Dad looked forward to this day as a tradition for over thirty years.
These times spent together as families have a choice place in our memories.
MY CAREER AND CHURCH SERVICE
After graduating from Carbon College in 1948, I started
working part-time at Price Trading Shoe Department, and within six months, I
became manager. At this time -- February 2, 1948 -- we had our first child,
Paul, and on August 26, 1948, we went through the Salt Lake Temple and had Paul
sealed to us for time and all eternity. Dennis was born March 21, 1949 and
Brent on October 11, 1952. Then we decided we should have girls -- Jacqueline
on March 8, 1955, Sharon on July 23, 1959, Kayrene on November 29, 1962 and
Dianna on March 13, 1966.
In 1951 - 1952 I served a two-year Stake Mission from the Price
Third Ward. On April 6, 1954 I was ordained a Seventy at General Conference in Salt
Lake City by Bruce R. McConkie. Mother and Dad were called to serve as Stake
Missionaries at the same time as I was. We were all set apart on May 1, 1952.
They were released after about one year, due to ill health. I have their journal
that records experiences during this time, with dates, names of investigators,
comments put down while visiting investigators, etc..
Through the active years and sometimes inactive years in the
Church I have served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher,
Stake Sunday School Board Member, Seventies Quorum Leader and, at the present, First
Counselor in the Price Stake Sunday School Presidency.
I worked for W. Carl Rigg and Sons a few years and, in
February, 1967, I bought them out and changed the store name to Jack's Shoes,
Inc. in Price. That started me on another challenging experience. Brother Lee
loaned me part of the finance to get me started. In 1967, we bought some buildings
in Castle Dale, Emery County and opened another shoe store. Brent was the
architect and general contractor, making display racks, benches, shelves,
tables, etc.. We ran the stores until I retired in August, 1989. Dennie stayed
in the shoe business with us until we closed.
CIVIC SERVICE
In 1981 - 1982, I was President of the Emery County Chamber
of Commerce. In 1983 - 1984, I was President of Carbon and Emery Counties United
Way Campaign. I served for eight years on the Emery County Fair Board and was a
member of the Price Elks Lodge for twenty-five years.
MUSIC/ORCHESTRAS
For many years after I returned home from the Navy, playing
in Dad's orchestra was an enjoyable time. Dad could play the tune
"South" with gusto, both feet pumping and the violin strings humming.
Thinking of this picture brings back so many strong and wonderful memories,
like the night we were playing at the Moose Hall in Price for a Christmas party
and all of the happy ones started to take the mike and sing and pulled the
Christmas tree down on Dad and Max at the piano -- but they never stopped
playing.
I remember going to Scofield over Clear Creek when the snow
was up to the eaves of the houses. There was a tunnel through the snow into the
Dance Hall, which had a pot-belied coal stove for heat. We were paid $5 to $10
a dance, with playing time from 10:00 pm. to 3:00 AM and, if they wanted to dance longer, they would pass the hat around.
New Year's Eve and other special dances we made $15 a night.
When Dad quit playing, I started playing the drums with the
Jewkes Orchestra from Emery County. Malone and Cal Jewkes had played with Dad for
years before starting their own orchestra. This period of my life was very special
-- to have a Dad as a fishing partner, play in his orchestra and to work with
him remodeling the houses that Mother and Dad owned. I know that Mother loved
it. This was in her way teaching and words: "Be a loving and caring family
and always support each other. Be a quality person."
I then played a few years with Frankies Rythmaries. Violet
would sing. We played at church dances, weddings, private parties, school
dances, country clubs, etc..
THE CHILDREN
A few thoughts about
seven children: Paul and Brenda: Paul was a talented musician. All through
his school, he worked towards a master musician percussion award. He put on a recital
at Carbon High School. He was a member of the All State Honor Band. He, with
his brother, Dennie, had their own orchestra called "Easy Street".
Paul and Dennie played in the Carbon High Band when they marched in the Rose Bowl
[Tournament of Roses] Parade in 1968. In 1968 and 1969, he served in the
Southwest British Mission. He is the father of one daughter and three sons: Paul
Jacob, Jessica Ruth, Jared Bert and Jordan Jay. Brenda has been a loving and
caring daughter-in- law. She and Paul were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple March
19, 1970. It has been almost five years since Paul's death and her support and
dedication to our family have been very special. Her desire to raise her four
children the way both of them wanted to has been her biggest challenge and she
has done a wonderful job. She has been Relief Society President and always
active in the Church. We appreciate the closeness we have with her and the
children.
Dennie is a talented piano and organ player. He is
outstanding in sports, especially football, baseball and basketball. He and
Paul played on the same teams all through their growing up years. He served a
mission for the Church in Northern Indiana from 1969 - 1970. Dennie was married
to Darlene Rich. They were later divorced. He is the father of three sons:
Christopher Dennie, Kip and Tad Leonard.
Brent was an excellent drummer and played in his own
orchestra. He also loved sports and was a good Baseball player and basketball
player. He married Sandy Draper in the Salt Lake Temple. They were later
divorced. He is the father of two daughters and one son: Brandon Brent, Amber
and Chelsie. As the boys were growing up, I was involved in different sports
programs, so all three boys were involved too. They played Farm League and
Bantam Basketball, Pony League and American Legion Baseball.
Jacqueline, while growing up, took dancing, played the flute
and piano. She was a high school cheerleader. She attended the College of
Eastern Utah. She joined the Young Americans -- a singing and dancing group
which performed throughout the state and traveled to Europe to perform. She
married Frank Zubal in the Salt Lake Temple and they have four sons:
Nathan Frank, Spencer James, Ashton Whitney and Preston Paul Zubal.
Sharon filled a mission to the Montana, Billing Mission
(1981-1982). She married Stewart Bettino in the Jordan River Temple. Stewart
and Sharon have been foster parents for many years and have adopted three
children. They now have one son and two daughters: Myra, Heather and Steven.
Kayrene started dancing at an early age. She was a high
school cheerleader. In 1981 she was Miss Carbon County. She went to Utah State University
on scholarship. She was head cheerleader at the university and also assistant
dance director. She married Dave Kohler. They had three sons -- Tyson, Clayton
and Trenton. They were later divorced. She still lives in Logan and gives dance
classes.
Diana was a cheerleader at Emery High School. She was a
sterling scholar in Business Education. She traveled to Europe with her school
French Class and took summer classes at BYU. She is married to Carl Fox and
they have one daughter and one son: Carley May Fox and Tyre] Dean Fox. We had
three of our children go on missions. As of now [March, 1994] we have six
granddaughters and sixteen grandsons.
LIVING CLOSE TO MOTHER AND DAD IN PRICE
I have many memories of being at home with Mother and Dad
through the years and having our own young family spend time with their
grandparents. This was very special. I'll tell a short story about Paul, Dennie
and Brent. While spending time with their grandparents, they liked to go
upstairs in Mother and Dad's house to play with their home-made rubber guns.
There were three bedrooms to play in. Grandpa would holler up: "Oh Paul,
Oh Dennie, Oh Brent, you boys be good." All the time the beds were being
used as trampolines. The boys loved to eat there. Mother would let them cook
their own oatmeal cereal, then Dad had his full-course breakfast with fresh
baking powder biscuits. Mother always had a few jobs to work up their appetites
for the next meal -- pulling weeds in the garden, dusting, making beds,
bucketing water out of the ditch to water the curb lawn. They have special
loving memories of Grandmother and Grandpa.
There were many times that I would come down for breakfast
with Mother and Dad before going to work at the store. She always wanted Violet
to make her a tuna fish casserole. I feel this was a special time in our
family's life to have lived so close to Mother and Dad. There are so many
thoughts stored in my memory bank about loving, caring parents. The phone calls
to be sure I was coming down, morning, noon and night. Mother and Dad needed
company and loved to be around their children.
MOTHER AND DAD‘S LATER YEARS
In their later years, Mother and Dad suffered from diabetes
and high blood pressure. One morning, I received a phone call about 5:30 am.
Dad said: "Son, Mother's leg isn't getting better, you better come
down." When I got there a few minutes later, Mother's leg had made a turn
for the worse since I was there the night before. Mother wanted me to rub it or
put ice packs or heat or whatever would help. It had swollen rather large and
started to discolor. I immediately phoned Dr. Madison. He came right away,
looked at her and said: "Let's pick up your Mother and put her in the car
and get her to the hospital." Mother was strong and full of will power to
live. After making the necessary phone calls to the family, Mother again
received the love and support from her children.
MOTHER'S DEATH
While Mother was in the hospital in Price, we learned that
gangrene had set in to her leg and there was the possibility that her leg would
need to be amputated so that her life might be prolonged. We met as a family to
discuss how to tell mother what might happen. We as a family were very nervous
-- afraid to tell her -- and so Dr. Ghorshek said that he would tell her. We
went in as a family and he told her. Mother took it very well -- she accepted
the decision that it had to be done and said: "If it will prolong my life,
I want it to be done." She had a strong will to live. It was necessary to
amputate her leg to stop the spread of the gangrene. She was in the hospital
for two weeks. We would push her up and down the hall in a wheel chair. During
all of that time, she was very alert and coherent. As mother was failing, on
the last day, Clare and Blanche came right down to the hospital. Mother sat up
in bed and said: "I really feel like having bacon and eggs and toast for
breakfast." The nurses didn't want to give her that breakfast, but the
Doctor said that we should give her anything she wanted, because, by noon, she
wouldn't be with us. She ate every bit of that breakfast. She lived every
moment of her life the way she spent that last day -- strong, wise and
completely. She died on April 19, 1961. While I was visiting with Mother the
day before her death, she said: "I know that it is your birthday and I'm
not going to die on your day." She died before noon the next morning after
her breakfast.
DAD'S DEATH
When Dad's health started to fade, we all were there to give
him complete love and care. He enjoyed very much the time he spent with Max and
Jean in Germany and the loving care they gave him. When his health had become
so bad that Max and Jean could do no more, Dad was flown home from Germany to
Hill Airforce Base. He was taken immediately to St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake
City. He was there for about ten days. The day he died, we received a call that
we should come quickly from Price. By the time we got there, he was already
gone. It was March, 1962.
PAUL'S DEATH
On Wednesday morning, September 20, 1989, around 6:15 am,
forty-five minutes before coming off his shift at the mine, our oldest son Paul
was killed in the Plateau Mine, which used to be the town of Watts. At the time
of Paul's death, he was Elder's Quorum President, a leader in our family, a
strong believer in family ties and reunions. His passing has left a tremendous
loss, but knowing that we will be with him again brings us much joy, happiness
and peace of mind. He left a wonderful wife, Brenda, a daughter and three sons.
The latest experience in my life was the passing of brother
Stan on Wednesday, February 9, 1994. The last three weeks of Stan's illness I
had the privilege of being with Beth to make his remaining weeks as comfortable
as possible. it was a special time and experience for me and Violet to be able
to contribute what we could to make this time for Beth and Stan a little
easier.
MY TESTIMONY
I am grateful that I was brought into this life with seven
brothers and two wonderful sisters and being a member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. I cherish my membership most precious. I give
thanks to my Heavenly Father for the many blessings we have received -- for the
seven children and grandchildren we have, for a wonderful wife. I hope and pray
we continue to grow closer together and give the wonderful loving support to
all.
Paul B. (Jack) Leonard
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