Leonard Louis McConnell

Everyone who knew Leonard Louis McConnell remarked at one time or another that he was the kindest, sweetest man that they had ever met. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025.

Leonard was born on November 16, 1937, to Mary Alice Berger and Andrew Louis McConnell in Spokane, Washington. He grew up in a country transforming from the lingering effects of the Great Depression into a global war. He was raised on cake recipes invented with food rations, and played the big band era tunes on his trumpet. He loved to dance to the music that rallied our troop's home and paid tribute to his strong military heritage. He served honorably in the Army National Guard during the Korean War era.

Leonard's parents raised him in the Methodist faith before he converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1965. He served in the first German mission. After an honorable release, he enrolled in Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. He also spent time at BYU Idaho, where his life changed forever when, during a fire in his dorm, he ran back inside the burning building to rescue his roommates and jumped from a window, which injured his back. The event marked a life course of great physical suffering, but also humility and love for his wheelchair missionary work. Whenever he met someone new, he would roll up his sleeves, show how his temple garments had protected his skin during the fire, and ask: "Do you want to hear a Mormon story?"

Leonard married Rebecca Zitting Kennedy on March 21, 1988. They were sealed for all time and eternity in the Jordan River Utah Temple, in South Jordan, Utah, on October 12, 2015. Leonard and Rebecca were constant partners at work and home for over 37 years, traveling the country for Leonard's award-winning insurance sales, while taking time for hikes and family memories in between. Their favorite trips included spending time with Leonard's daughters in South Dakota and Rebecca's children on Newport Beach, California.

A devout member of the LDS Church, Leonard loved God and all his family members. Despite his physical challenges, his zeal for life and continual positive outlook inspired everyone around him. Throughout his life, Leonard remained dedicated to serving his family and friends in many special ways.

No one could meet a more selfless man.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Jim, and sister Vera. His brother Phillip McConnell survives him. Leonard is also survived by his wife of 37 years, Rebecca; his children, Colleen Callhone, Mavourne Williams (Don), and Megan Laprive (Ron); Rebecca's children, Phillip Kennedy and Linda Kennedy; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Leonard's family will hold a tribute service at the Cottonwood 12th Ward, 1750 East Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Friends may visit from 10 to 10:45 a.m. before the service.

Interment at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Dr., Millcreek, Utah.