B. Leon Hecht, 76, died peacefully at his home with his loving family beside him July 20, 2018. Leon was born Aug. 16, 1941, in Grand Island, Neb., to Hazel and Wm. Forrest Hecht. Leon married his best friend, partner and wife for 55 years Jean (Kottwitz) on June 3, 1963. They have one son, Christopher, whom Leon was very proud of. He often said that Chris was the most important thing in his life.
In 1982, Leon and his family moved to Greeley, Colo., where he had an extensive career as a sales representative for H & S Irrigation in La Salle, Colo. Much of Leon's professional career involved working in irrigation systems and sales, as he would create and design center-pivot and gravity-based irrigation systems for his customers in the agricultural industry along the Front Range of Colorado, until he retired in 2006.
During retirement, Leon and Jean enjoyed spending their time boating, fishing and golfing at their condominium in Grand Lake, Colo., and vacationing in Scottsdale, Ariz. Leon also enjoyed traveling, hunting and classic cars. He had an interest in mechanical engines, as he had a great mind for engineering. Leon was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, a 55-year member of the Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. Chapter #604, and a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church.
Leon is preceded in death by his mother, Hazel (Larsen) Hecht and his father, Wm. Forrest Hecht, his brother-in-law, James (Jim) Robinson, and a niece, Debbie Cropp. He is survived by his wife, Jean Hecht, his son, Christopher Hecht (Janine Bowman), his sister-in-law, Brenda Robinson, his niece, Barbara Miller-Gailey (Jane Gailey), his nephew, Mark Cropp, and his great-nephew, Chace Gailey.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider a donation on Leon's behalf to The Colorado Humane Society or to Hospice Care of Colorado. Thank you to Stoddard Funeral Home for their help and support.
The family would enjoy the presence of Leon's friends in a celebration of his life from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at the Outback Restaurant and Pub at Boomerang Links golf course, 7309 4th St.
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