USAF Ssgt. Leon Yarzab Born March 1st, 1943 and died December 28th, 2018.
Hello my name is Anthony Lesny, boyfriend of Mary Burch. I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate the life of Leon Yarzab also known as Butch to many of you. Though I only knew Leon for a short time I came to realize what a wonderful man he was and how much he achieved in his life. From his countless kind deeds, his commitment to his children and wife, his service to his country, time invested in his community, to bringing the neighborhood together, Leon spent his time and energy into making his corner of the world a better and brighter place. While his determination, ingenuity, humor and generosity carried him through the many trials of his life with a smile as well as some outrageous antics.
As a lad of 17 Leon enlisted into the military. Boy, what an adventure that turned out to be. His eleven year air force career started in 1962 when he walked into Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas for his first day in basic training. His test scores, aptitude to learn and relentless work ethic highlighted his entry into the military. Soon enough he was travelling around America and the world from AFB to AFB working on the many demands of his craft. Never shying from the opportunity to learn Leon jumped at the many training advancements the Air Force had to offer. Some of his adventures include working on the Gemini Space Capsule Landing in Lima, Peru. Setting the Air Force record for keeping the model 4360 engine running for 2279.3 hours while stationed in Bermuda the old record being under 2000. Receiving the honor of NCO of the quarter at John hay Army Base in the Philippines not to mention living in Guam for 3 years. Leon and his family experienced a 9 month separation when he was first stationed in Guam. When the family was reunited I can certainly tell you they learned to love the local cuisine. So competent of a mechanic he oversaw 27 unskilled engine mechanics and clearly led and trained his coworkers. Leon was trusted to be the only qualified piston engine mechanic assigned to the military airlift command in Guam for nearly a 3 year period. Leon was honorably discharged from the United States Air force in 1974 and moved to California.
Leon traveled across our country and experienced so many different cultures and communities. He became apart of those communities and gave back to them. His heart was large and encompassed all living creatures. One of my first memories of Leon is him sitting in his chair with a plate of food. Surrounding him above and below are 5 little feline beggars. One above his head on the top of the chair, two in his lap, one on the armrest, and the last excited little fella hopping from the ground to the other armrest back to the ground you get the idea. Meanwhile Leon takes a bite, pauses breaks off a piece gives it to one of the cats, he quickly retracts his arm and pushes the cats head from the arm rest away from the plate as it scuttle in to try and grab a bite. This scene continues as he tell the cats to "hang on a minute" and protects his plate from his furry friends. Leon didn't have the capacity to let the cats forage for food and fed an entire stray cat colony for many years. He took in all kinds of animals injured or lost and did his best to help those he saw in need.
Leon also gave so much to his community and to his neighborhood. From dressing up in costumes and visiting hospitals and convalescent homes he caroling and bringing joy, laughter, and entertainment to those who could use a boost to planning and hosting neighborhood parties. Much of what Leon did he did with his family and brought them into the community or the community to them. When Mary and I delivered the news and invitation to a neighbor they spoke so highly of Leon and told us about a recent conversation with another neighbor about how welcome Leon made them feel to the neighborhood. The moment was truly touching, the emotion almost tangible during her recounting. PTA president for two years at Beachy Ave., School, helped start the very first PTA in Harmon Loop while stationed in Guam, everybody's helpful mechanic donating his time to his coworkers, friends, and quite a few "strays". I'm not sure how he fit it all in considering how these doings are just the tip of one large iceberg.
Today we honor and grieve for the loss of the wonderful man Leon Yarzab was. A loving Husband of 54 years, father of three, patriot of the community and family man. Leon i wish i could have more time with you to learn from you and learn more about your life from your perspective. You had so many aspects that we could all use a little more of in the world. Lets come together and share our memories of Leon and let him live on with us in spirit and forever try and learn to be more like him.
I want to thank Anthony for reading this message during the memorial service for my father. God bless him.
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