Leonard David Gillespie

Leonard David Gillespie, a cherished son of Canyonville, Oregon, and a man of remarkable spirit and service, passed away peacefully at his home on August 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with multiple health issues, surrounded by the love and dedication of family and emergency responders. Born on May 11, 1965, to Ruth and Russell Gillespie, Leonard was predeceased by his beloved parents and his second wife, Katie Houlden. He is survived by his ex-wife Wendy, his children Russell, Aurora, Timmothy, Andrew, and Patrick, and his nine treasured grandchildren. Leonard also leaves behind his siblings: his older brother Mark, younger sister Rochelle, and younger brother Ron, along with numerous nieces and nephews who adored him. His close circle of friends, including Tabatha, Matthew, Aiden, and Sarah, will deeply miss his companionship and humor. Leonard's life was marked by dedication and service. A graduate with some college education, he served honorably in the Army during Desert Storm from 1983 to 1991, reaching the rank of Specialist 4. His commitment to helping others continued as he worked alongside his brother Ron as a tow truck operator and volunteered as a firefighter and EMT. Leonard was also a proud member of several organizations, including the Elks, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, and the Bar's Henny Pens. An avid fisherman, Leonard found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a passionate gun, coin, and model car collector, and was known for being a "gossip king" with a "tit for tat" personality that endeared him to many. Leonard's love for country western dancing was matched only by his willingness to help those in need. He also served as an umpire for Little League teams in California, sharing his love of sports and fair play with the next generation. Leonard's family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the VA Hospital in Roseburg, Oregon, with special thanks to wound-care nurse Netta Leong for her exceptional care. A special acknowledgement goes to his daughter Aurora, whose unwavering dedication as his full-time caregiver brought immense comfort during his final days. A service to celebrate Leonard's life will be held on August 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Roseburg VA Cemetery Pavilion, located at 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97471. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leonard's memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Paws of War Project. As we say goodbye, we hold onto the words, "The quiet waters offer a rare peace, yet the finest part of the day is knowing that the love waiting at home runs deeper than any river." We imagine Leonard embarking on a wonderful fishing trip, enjoying a hot tub extravaganza, and finding peace in the love of family and friends that remains eternally strong.