Arvin J. Leishman, 84, a giant among men, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23 at Sunshine Terrace, following an extended illness and is reunited with his dear wife.
He was born March 17, 1933 in Wellsville, Utah of Melvin Willes Leishman and Anna Maria “Mary” Fuhriman where he was raised in a small farmhouse with 10 siblings. Life on the family farm was full of work and memories. He graduated from South Cache High School in 1951 and was drafted into the U.S. Army and trained as a Demolition Specialist.
He met his sweetheart, “a cute little cuss”, Carol Ann Kendrick, while attending Wellsville Junior High School. They dated throughout high school. While on a short leave from Army training in California, they were sealed on August 6, 1953 in the Idaho Falls L.D.S. Temple. Arvin and Carol Ann were stationed in Virginia, Texas and Louisiana until they settled in Wellsville where they purchased and worked hard running the family farm and dairy. He could fix anything with pliers, wire, twine, and his welder and served his neighbors and community.
He is survived by children, Jay K. of Salt Lake, Scott L. (Carrie) of Wellsville, Mel Ron (Debbie) of Wellsville, Charles D. (Julie) of Mt. Sterling, Shauna M. Nielsen of Logan, and Indian foster daughter, Karena Petago; siblings, Carma (Ephraim-dec.) Jensen, Lavona (Keith-dec.) Watkins, Thomas (Latitia), Carolyn (Daryl) Anderson, Ruth (Kent-dec.) Brenchley, Lorin (Jimmie), Marie (Dee) Bosworth, Connie (Larry) Wade; and sister-in-law, Camille (Larry) Dunn. Arvin will also be missed by his 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Along with his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Mary Ann (Ken) Bayliff, Carol Lyn, La Rene; a stillborn son; brothers, Doyle, Lloyd; and brother-in-law, Merlin (Sharlene) Kendrick.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by family prayer on Wednesday, November 29 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E Center, in Logan. A graveside service with military honors will begin at noon on Thursday, November 30 at the Wellsville City Cemetery.
The family is thankful for so many who have cared for dad through the years, including many caring doctors, nurses, aides, family and friends. As Arvin would say, “I’m pretty good; mostly pretty”.