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As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:
Richard (Butch) Leemon, age 77, was born on June 14, 1945, in California to Myra (Harrington) and Thomas Leemon. He graduated from L’Anse High School and furthered his education to become a Radiologic Technician. He worked in this field in various states including Michigan, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, and Wisconsin eventually settling back in Michigan.
He opened The Loft Restaurant in L’Anse, along with his brother, Tim Leemon, in 1974. He also was a flight instructor and co-owner of Skyte Aviation with his uncle, Gerald Harrington, in Baraga, Michigan in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He enjoyed hosting the local “Fly Ins” which brought a lot of private pilots to the area for a weekend of skydiving, music, and events. He had a love of everything outdoors including snow skiing, motorcycles, sailing, and piloting his Cessna airplane.
Butch was a man of honor and integrity who lived his life on his own terms. He is survived by his siblings, Timothy (Patty) Leemon of Marinette, WI, Debra (Brad) Tonkin of Arvada, CO, and Sandra (Peter) Burg of Greenwood Village, CO as well as his much-loved aunt, Betty Reid whom he loved discussing politics and life with as often as possible. He also has many cousins who he cherished as well as his nieces and nephews. Butch was preceded in death by his father, Thomas (Leemon) his mother, Myra (Harrington), step-father Patrick Ellico and his sister, Monica (Noble) and a nephew, Thomas (Herrala)
His family is very grateful for the compassionate care Butch received at The Omega House in Houghton MI. Donations in his name may be made to The Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931.
Father Corey Litzner will recite the Rosary at 10:30 a.m,. Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse and a celebration of Butch’s life and luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral home.
Per Butch’s request, his cremains were scattered in Rocky Mountain National Park on top of Trail Ridge Road.
Butch’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
