Leonard James Redmond, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, January 23, 2020, of natural causes in Boise, Idaho. Leonard, the youngest of 2 children, was born on June 7, 1930, in Baker, Oregon, to James and Winifred Redmond.
Leonard attended the St. Francis Academy, in Baker until 1948. In 1949, Leonard graduated from Baker High School. On June 19, 1950, Leonard married Ella M. Boyer also of Baker in Weiser, Idaho.
Leonard started working early in life at the Baker theater in 1943. After a 4-year stint with the forest service, and two years in the Marine Corp Reserve, Leonard fell in love with truck driving and began his long truck driving career in 1950 in Baker, Oregon. In 1961, Leonard and Ella moved to Fruitland, Idaho, and he started driving long haul trucks for Ore-Ida. In 1969, they moved to New Meadows, Idaho and he began working for J.I. Morgan as a logging truck driver. After losing his wife in 1981, he moved to Ontario, Oregon in 1983 with his partner Eva Mae, to drive truck for N.A.C.A. Leonard was very proud that during his career he had the opportunity to drive through all 48 continental states. In 1988, Leonard retired and moved to Star, Idaho. In retirement, he continued his love of driving by living vicariously through logging truck magazines that he read. He had a special love for trains and war history. As a wood-working hobbyist, Leonard spent most of his time working on projects in his shop. His imagination and knowledge of fixing broken things will be missed.
Leonard is survived by his son Michael (Terri) Redmond of Meridian, daughter Pat Redmond of Boise, who cared for Leonard in her home for the last 3 years; 5 grandchildren: Julie Simmons of Boise, Idaho; Jason (Audrey) Redmond of Yucaipa, California; Lorie (Shane) Bolen of Boise, Idaho, Correne (Jimmy) Jones of Bosque Farms, New Mexico; and Elena Redmond of Meridian, Idaho;10 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Cameron, Dallas, Carter, Devon, Brock, Tucker, Tyler, Tanner, and Ella; 2 great-great-grandchildren: Jonny and Waylon Palmer; 1 niece Terri Redmond of Lacey, Washington.
Leonard was proceeded in death by his wife Ella in 1981; special friend Eva Mae Turritton in 2007; both parents James and Winifred; his brother Donald, and nephew Patrick.
Memorial services will be held at Bowman Funeral Home, 10254 W. Carlton Bay, Garden City, Idaho Saturday, February 8, at 1 p.m.
Because Leonard loved war history, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Warhawk Air Museum in Leonard’s name, at 201 Municipal Drive, Nampa, Idaho 83687. Or you may visit their website: https://warhawkairmuseum.org/giving/donate/