Every time i look at your painting i smile, Whom ever, Whatever. Sonita :)

Recently, I became aware of Phil's passing. His passion for life was apparent in everything he did and everyone he came in contact with. Getting together with Phil was always an adventure. His wit, intellect, compassion, charm and energy made for great company. Phil's creativity, artistic ability and eye for design touches were generously put on many a friends home. His intense love of opera and the symphony were far beyond the passion of most. Conversations with Phil never went idle, as he was an excellent communicator. He ofter said he had a wonderful life. Phil loved to share stories of times spent with Leonard Pennaio, Liberace, Roger Brown and many more colorful characters he knew throughout his life. His mother and father passed on long ago but his devotion, love, caring and respect them was always obvious and inspiring. Phil was a very generous man in many ways and gave more than he ever expected to receive. He held much love for the friends, family and pets in his life, along with those that have passed. While Phil is at rest, I am certain he is in his glory joining those dear friends, family, and poodle Barney that have past before him. Love you, miss you dear friend. Bruce Smith

I want to say that I am deeply saddened by Phil's loss. He was always so quick with a one liner, and also very gracious if you had a bridge question. I will miss him. I am also the Tournament Chairman for the Bluewater Sectional that takes place in Sarnia. Phil was a mainstay at the event, and never missed it in the eleven years I've been playing bridge in Sarnia. I want to honor Phil's memory, Bridge Acumen, and general greatness by naming the Saturday Afternoon Pairs Session the: Phil Leon Memorial Pairs. I won't do it without your permission, of course, but it would be something small we could do to honor the memory of this truly one of a kind character. Sincerely, Charles L. L. Dalmas Sarnia, ON

I am only rescently made aware and am deeply saddend by Phil's passing. A friend of 12 or so years he will be thought of often and greatly missed. My condolences to the family.

I know Phil from the "table." He was one of the funniest men that I have known and of course a great player. He gave the eulogy for his long time bridge partner, Joan Remey Moore, and that was really super, with emotion and wit. He always played "Joan Remey Moore standard."

Phil and I go back to the sixties, when he and Don Hocevar befriended me and taught me the basics of bridge. "Philsy" as Don fondly called him was a very creative person and I could always be greeted with a witty comment followed by a Leon joke. He was a fine player and teacher and truly enriched the game of bridge. He will be missed by all lives he touched. Goodbye my friend.

I know Phil from bridge. I was never his partner, but enjoyed many conversations with him. He was a fine man. He will be missed by his bridge buddies.

May you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.

A very unique individual has left a void in our community. Phil, you will be missed by many and will never be replaced. We will be looking for you at tournaments for years to come to make us laugh with one of your famous jokes. Rest in peace,

Phil was a great bridge partner and an even better friend. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.

Among Phil's many contributions to music in Detroit was arranging for his close friend Leonard Pennario, one of America's best known pianists, to perform at Pro Musica in 1985. Phil's support of Pro Musica was greatly appreciated.

I'm sure Phil is already hanging wallpaper up there and painting the light switch plates to match. The "what a dump" pillow prominently displayed. Melissa will miss his letters and I'll miss the verbal abuse. Farewell my friend. Steve

I am deeply saddened by the passsing of a dear friend and fellow bridge player. Sadly, I am currently away on a trip to Peru. I spoke with Phil the day before leaving when he wished me a great trip and we agreed I would tell him all about it when we got together to play bridge in the Regional in Farmington Hills the latter part of October. That will have to wait til a later time. Phil and I enjoyed playing bridge on numerous occasions, attending several operas, along with my wife, in Detroit and just simply `being friends`. I will miss him dearly. Phil always said jokingly, `I taught you everything you know about bridge`. Well to some extent that was true and for that I will be forever grateful. Obviously I am unable to attend the Memorial service. My condolances to all his family memebers. Sincerely Dwight Bender

Phil was a life long friend to the William E . Rush family . We truly enjoyed his company and remember spending lots of time together. He cared for my Mom Betty Jo often bring her dinner, or taking her out to the movies. My Dad and Phil had recently been to their 65 th high school reunion together. Loved the way he decorated my house too. He will truly be missed. Janet Rush Doyle Jeffery Hall Rush William E. Rush jr

You were so much help to us in decorating our home. We always enjoyed your company, and artistic talents.

To the family and friends of Phil - My deepest condolences. Phil was a good friend and bridge partner that I have known for some 35 years. I will miss visiting Phil's lovely home and engaging in conversations from world travel to music to cooking. Sincerely, John

Phil was one of a kind & he will be long remembered.

I've played cards against Phil for 35 years. He was a man of definite opinions and terrible jokes. We'll all miss both.

Phil was a fine, decent, and generous man. My life is better, on many levels for having known him. I will miss him. Rest in Peace, Phil.

A fond farewell to my favorite brige partner of the last 45+ years and an even better friend!

Phil was my oldest friend, over 45 years. It would not be possible to measure how much he enriched my life. He cannot be replaced.

Philip and I were close friends for nearly 50 years. We traveled, primarily for bridge, all over the country. No one had more fun than we. Philip couldn't carry a tune in a basket, nor play an instrument, but he had a more profound knowledge of music and the fine arts than anyone I have ever known. He was exciting to share time with. He was unparalleled reciting bawdy limericks or delivering thoughtful eulogies. And he had an "eye" for interiors. He knew, instinctively, what "worked." His passing creates a great void in my life and in those of all of his friends.

Phil had more energy, creativity and love for all things beautiful than most people. I will always be grateful for his generous hospitality when I first moved to Detroit...we've lost a true renaissance man.

Please accept my familys most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We pray the love of God enfolds your family and helps everyone heal with the passage of time.

Farewell Dear Phil. Never a singular character like you. ACBL's leading point holder in Michigan, outlived many bridge partners. One of my first bridge tournaments with Phil was a week-end in Traverse City. He picked me up in Grand Blanc, talking non-stop until we arrived. At age 83, Phil was still living life to the fullest. We were planning weekends in Midland, as well as Farmington, and held tickets to The Mikado at Detroit Opera. Phil invited us to a Beverly Hills party at Leonard Pennario's home for about 50 other bridge players, where Leonard thrilled us with his piano playing. Nor will we ever forget the two 10 day tournaments at a friend's villa in Bermuda where we had great success. In 2009, Phil redecorated our home over a period of 4 months, making innumerable trips to Grand Blanc, or the design center. I will never look at our Gilford Green or Coral Essence bedrooms without having a warm smile, nor will Brenda ever see a finger towel without thinking of Phil.

A human dynamo. A true champion. Indisputably Mr. Bridge here. You orchestrated life in graceful harmony with others. Triumphs at the bridge table, suggestive jokes, acerbic comments, wit and irreverances. Harrowing car rides to tournaments, yet conducting your card play close to perfection. Voracious reader, symphony, ballet, opera, the Bayreuth Festival, movies, Detroit sports, raconteur, eulogist, landscaper, gourmet cook, host, entertainer, furniture entrepreneur, interior decorator and oil painter. Friends Leonard Pennario, Liberace, the Detroit Red Wings and Duglas Duglas. You once said to Leonard Bernstein that his performance was "figuratively and literally hair raising", pointing with a twinkle to your smooth pate. Legendary, cryptic references and creative use of language which would have been shocking but from you. You arranged life's every nuance. Accompanied by charm and impeccable taste, you shared your talents with extraordinary wisdom, giving without fanfare.

OBITUARY

Philip Henry Leon

September 8, 1927 – September 22, 2010

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services