Leonard H. Colvin was called away from us and the complications of this life on Wednesday, December 7, 2018 in Billings.
He was born in Denver on July 21, 1942 to Leonard H. Colvin and Deloris (Fischer) Colvin. He went to school in Denver and graduated from trade school as a certified welder, a fact of which he was very proud.
Leonard moved to Forsyth in the summer of 1970 and made that his home for the rest of his life. He and Susan Hakes were married in May 1972 in Forsyth. They were blessed with a son, Robert Homer and a daughter, Tandra Lynn.
Leonard worked as a Forsyth Police Officer in 1970-1971 when he went to work on road construction. Eventually he became a heavy equipment mechanic for Big Sky Mine (Peabody Coal) at Colstrip driving back and fourth for approximately 20 years. During that time, he was very active in the UMWA local 1575. His passion was workers’ rights and the safety in the workplace. He took approximately eighteen month leave from Peabody and worked as a Mine Safety Inspector for the UMWA, covering MT, WY, ND, CO and New Mexico. He very much liked that job and was very good at it.
He returned to Peabody and continued there until his heath forced his retirement in 1999.
Leonard really enjoyed going to the state legislature when it was in session, lobbying for Miners rights and safety laws that protected the miners. He spent so much time in Helena that some of his co-workers nicknamed him “The Governor.”
Leonard was so involved in the union activities, that during one strike, he and some other miners had a picnic complete with BBQ and burgers on the picket line. This picnic also included wives and families. His children grew up knowing that “you never cross a picket line.”
He was a member of the Forsyth Lions Club where he served many capacities over the years and was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a grand-daughter, Emily Marie; son, Robert (Bobby), and many good friends.
His granddaughter, Kelsey, remembers the time a few years ago when grandpa “blew up” the gas grill and came in with singed eyebrows and hair.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sue; daughters, Tandra Draper of Forsyth and Sunda (Tim) Leadbetter of Landon Mills, Illinois; special nephew, Tim Blaisdell; 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 3 siblings. He will be missed by many.
Family to receive friends will be Monday, December 10, 2018 from 4-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home on December 11, 2018. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements, to read the full obituary or leave condolences for the family, please visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday December 10, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday December 10, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Amber Nielson says
Sue and family, so terribly sorry for your loss. May your memories and his love guide you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet, Randy & Rachel Stanhope says
Sue and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing. He was a one and only and will be missed. We send all our thoughts and prayers your way.
Arlen,Barbie and Kirkaldie Family says
Sue and Family,our love and prayers of comfort are with you. 🥀
Catherine Byron says
Sue and Tandra –
My heart is with you. Leonard was a strong man in the UMW negotiations team at Peabody years and years ago. His strong position in that contract remains as part of his legacy. He will be missed by many of us. Holding you in my prayers today and in the days ahead.
Lynn Tompkins says
Sue, so sorry to hear about Leonard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Blakesley says
Dear Sue,
We are thinking of you during this time.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Tim Fulton says
Sue, so many memories of Leonard. Sorry for your loss. Love you.
Debbie Anderson says
Sue, I am so sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. Hugs to all of you.
Sharon Borla says
Sue, Tandra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Leonard will be missed by so many. He always had a smile on his face and time to visit. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort.
Melode Warner says
So sorry Sue.
Ashley Jeffreys says
Sue and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have so many fond memories of Leonard. Love you!
Jeremiah, Ashley, Adelaide, and James
Jack & Kirsten Crocker says
Sorry to here about Leonard. Always a kind man.
Nancy Purkett says
I am so sorry. He will be sorely missed in this community!
Joby Parker says
Dear Sue and Tandra,
Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. Leonard was a very caring, kind and hard working person who was proud of his family and community. He will be missed by many.
Bill and Joby Parker
Connie Brown says
Sue, Tandra and family,
Sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing he helped a lot of people in the community and with Lions Club. My God give you peace in the difficult days ahead.
Andrew Butch Schulenberg says
Sue and Family: Sorry to hear about the passing of another of our UMWA Members. Leonard was a good and loyal Man. He always fought for what He thought was right. He will be missed by us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
Rebecca Heberle says
Leonard was a nice guy, very community involved. He worked for improvement.
Rebecca Heberle says
Leonard was a great community minded person. He will be missed.
Teddy Robertson says
Dear Sue and Tandra,
I’m so sorry to hear about Leonard. I’ve been so consumed with picking up the pieces of my life I let to much time slip away. Now I’m to late. I’m so very sorry. Your in my prayers and thoughts. I guess our guys can hangout together again. Ron always enjoyed Leonard’s help. Love and hugs, Teddy
June Cox says
Sue and family, So sorry to hear about Leonard–he can rest in peace now!
Prayers and God bless you in this difficult time!
Sandy Brownell and Cindy Sharp says
Miss you cousin. You were the last of the Colvin males in the family
Rita Watson says
Sue, Tandra, and Family: We were so saddened to learn of Leonard’s passing. He was a good, good man. Prayers and hugs.
Dale and Rita Watson
Linda Miars says
Sue and family
So very sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead. May he Rest In Peace .
Bob & Linda Miars
Tobi Johnson says
Sue, I am so very sorry for your loss! Please know I am sending hugs.
Victoria says
I am very sorry for your loss . May the God of all Comfort sustain you in your time of great sadness. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 ; Revelation 21: 3, 4.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
So sorry to hear about Leonard. I really enjoyed working with him. God bless you all.
John C. Rusting says
What a great video slide show… Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed the time I spent with Leonard. He will be missed.
Sue and Tandra, please accept my sincerest condolences.
Beverly Nile says
Sue and family, so sorry for your loss. Leonard was truly dedicated to the members of the union, I was so thankful for what he did after Ronnie passed. I will never forget his concern at that time. Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Vonnie Becker says
Sue and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Leonard’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. Yes, he was very community-minded, proud of his union affiliation, and was not only a good citizen but family man. I first became acquainted with him when we were employed at Peabody Coal in Colstrip. I will miss his friendly greetings and chats at the post office! May you forever R.I.P.
Grace Larson says
Sue, my prayers are going out to you. When Lyle died it was like our life was a few minutes in time. I know you will be in awe of how fast the years went. With Hugs, Grace Larson