Leonard Sisson, Jr.

Leonard Sisson, Jr. will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep love for dogs, and for the way he went “hunting” without ever firing a shot, but it was his kind and gentle spirit that will be most deeply missed. He was a hard working man in everything he did and no matter the project, Leonard became the project manager as he was a jack of all trades. He honorably served his country during a time of need and was a true patriot throughout the rest of his life. There was nothing that was more important to Leonard than the people in his life whether his family, his friends, or those in need of a helping hand. The legacy he leaves behind is one that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be proud to carry on.

The decade of the 1920s was a time of great prosperity fueled by advancements in technology that forever changed the way we lived life in America. Because of the assembly line, things became more affordable and for those who needed it, buying on credit became an option as well. It was within this unprecedented time that Leonard Sr. and Levina (Lewis) Sisson were blessed with the birth of their son, Leonard Jr., on December 29, 1927. Born in Flint, Michigan, Leonard was the fifth of seven children in his family. The Sissons were dealt a devastating blow, however, with the death of Leonard’s mother when he was right around five years old. As a result, Leonard and his siblings were placed in foster care. Disappointed that the foster family he had been placed with was moving, Leonard told a classmate that he would most likely be headed to an orphanage. When his classmate’s parents caught wind of this, they went into town and arranged to be Leonard’s new foster parents. From that point on, Leonard was raised as a part of the Brigg family.

As was common for the youth of Leonard’s generation, he left school after the eighth grade to work on the farm. A bit down the road, he joined the Merchant Marines, but he was soon drafted into the Army. Leonard was stationed in Japan and lived with a Japanese family. Even though he was overseas, home was often in the forefront of his mind as he carried a stone from home on his dog tags.

Once he was discharged, Leonard spent a short time on a ranch in Texas, but soon made his way back to Michigan via the well-known Route 66. He found work at Fisher Body in Flint where he remained for seven years. This would prove to be a fateful job for him since it was there that he met the woman with whom he would establish the family he dearly loved. Her name was Virginia Couch and after falling deeply in love, they were married on December 23, 1954. Together they were blessed with three children who were the light of their lives.

When he left Fisher Body, Leonard went to work as a lineman for Consumers Power. Some time later, he was transferred to Owosso, and Leonard and Virginia raised their children in their home in Carland where they lived for years. Leonard was completely devoted to his work, never missed a day, and was also frequently on call. Despite being so busy with work, the Sisson family made it up north almost every other weekend to snowmobile during the winter. They had a trailer at Skidway Lake where he once attacked a hornet’s nest while wearing a rain slicker and mosquito netting – what a sight! They later had a place in Glennie, located in the northeastern region of the state. In 1994, Leonard was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved Virginia.

Through the years, Leonard was a man of many interests. He was an animal lover, particularly of dogs, so when he went hunting with his buddy, Leonard “hunted” with his camera. He volunteered in the farming industry, liked to work with wood, and loved to play cards with his friends. Leonard was a creature of habit who regularly watched the news, loved having a cookie for dessert, and never traveled to Flint without stopping for a Coney dog. He was proud to say that he walked four miles a day, and he also walked the Mackinac Bridge for fifteen years. Leonard was a special friend to many including Gaylord and Shirley Long, Don and Ethel Mulder, John and Lyola Dunkel, Dale and Jan Myren, Art and Marg Hartman, and Ken and Carol Winteley.

Great changes were in store for Leonard when he finally followed the prompting of a mutual friend to give a woman named Patricia Musson Nethaway a call. His children already had well established relationships with Pat and were thrilled to hear that Leonard finally took that step. After 18 months of dating, the couple enjoyed a trip to Hawaii. It was when forced on stage at a luau that Leonard actually proposed. Not long after, they married on June 9, 1996, joining their two families into one. Together Leonard and Pat traveled to most states and also went to Apache Junction, Arizona for the winter months. He enjoyed working with Pat’s son, Glen, on the farm and in many ways Leonard was the glue that seamlessly blended their families together.

Those who loved Leonard Sisson will miss so many things about him now that he is gone. They will miss his great sense of humor that could be sarcastic at times, his infectious laughter, and his constant companionship. Leonard was tenderhearted and not afraid to shed a tear, especially when it came to patriotic matters. He was driven and hard working, never quitting a project until it was completed. Leonard was always looking for those in need of a helping hand and was completely devoted to the family he loved more than life itself. He leaves behind a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Leonard will be deeply missed.

Leonard Sisson, Jr. died on November 27, 2010. Leonard’s family includes his wife, Patricia; children, Mark (Kim) Sisson, Rhonda (Gary) Trochlil, Vicki (Kyle) Van Deusen, Paula (Tom) Strachota, Robert (Valerie) Nethaway, Bill (Tammy) Nethaway, Glen (Barb) Nethaway and Kim (Brian) Darling; 19 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren in addition to one on the way; sister, Inez (Keith) Briggs; and many nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia; sisters, Adella, Evelyn and Kay; brothers, Albert and Clifford; and two grandchildren, Jerry and Katie Nethaway. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid with Pastor David Hudgens officiating, burial following at Fairfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to a charity of his family’s choice.