Leonard Elliot

ELLIOT, Leonard
Of Galesburg Leonard passed away peacefully April 6, 2009 in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born November 4, 1930 in Kalamazoo the son of Homer and Lela Graham Elliot. He lived and raised his family in Galesburg, MI and resided at River Manor Senior Housing of Galesburg for the past 4 years. Leonard adored his kids and grandkids. He was a member of St. Ann's church in Augusta, where "everyone there was his friend." Leonard retired from Borgess Hospital and was a self-proclaimed family handy man, prolific reader and avid writer. Leonard loved to meet people and said, "I never met anyone I didn't like, but I didn't go for some of the things they did." Leonard was a devoted Detroit sports fan and was looking forward to the Tigers' opening day. Very passionate about physical fitness, Leonard was a familiar face walking around Galesburg whenever he could, swimming at the Borgess Health and Fitness Center twice weekly, and choosing to always live by the mantra "Never give up!" whatever the challenge. He'll be remembered as a man who always did what he knew to be right, valuing life with his unique perspective of every day being a special story. Preceding him in death were his wife of 32 years, Pat Rigozzi on July 28, 2003; his parents; and 5 brothers. Surviving are his 6 children, Chuck Lisa Elliot, Bonnie Nye, Becky Rick Bil, Abby Elliot, Anna Patrick Walls, and David Desiree Elliot; 13 grandchildren, Blaine, Todd, Colby, Andrew, Rachel, Ruth, Audrey, Maria, Julia, Emma, Lela, Violet, and Dorothy, 1 great-grandson, Drew; 1 sister, Charlotte Laws; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. At his request, cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 PM on Wednesday today at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Galesburg Chapel, 145 W. Battle Creek St. A funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Ave., Augusta, with Father Christopher Derda officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to a life-affirming charity of one's choice. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Leonard's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.