Leonard McGregor
March 27, 2017
Leonard Mac McGregor, 85, died March 24, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born May 27, 1931 in Iowa City, Iowa to Fred and Mary (Estes) McGregor.
He was a United States Army veteran serving from 1952 to 1954. Leonard retired in construction in Davenport, Iowa before moving to Des Moines where he worked at the Iowa State Fair until 2015. He is a lifelong angler who was active with the IFBBA since 1998. Well known as “Big Bass Leonard” because he won big bass pots in Kentucky Lake and Lake Stockton. Leonard was one of the most sincere human beings on this earth. You could always count on him! He was recognized for his volunteer effors and community service.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary Louise Ridding; granddaughters, Florence D. Ridding and Lori Ridding Rice; grandsons, David and Brian Ridding; 6 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins whose lives he influenced.
He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Cheryl.
Graveside service will be conducted Friday, April 7, 2017 at 12:30 PM at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel with military honors being conducted by the United States Army.
The family has scheduled a 5pm Dinner for Family and Grandpa’s friends @ 3010 6th Ave @ the new Polk Co. Community CenterMemorial contributions may be directed to Hamiltons Funeral Home to be applied to the Leonard McGregor services.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Gerri Bennett
04/11/2017
You know how you expect to see or hear someone's voice and you realize that's not going to happen? Leonard had a presence about him that demanded your attention. It's sad to know that you'll never hear that loud, boisterous voice again, or "oh no, here she is again. Watch the floor sag when she walks through the door." I find myself laughing and crying when I think about Leonard. We as a family were truly blessed to have him in our lives. Think of the good times and the laughter. That's what he'd want from us. You are at rest now and at peace.
joanne norelius
04/06/2017
to leonards families, i enjoyed leonard so much at the center, we worked side by side and i learned alot about life when i could get him to start talking,(then you all know)god bless you all ,may he rest in peace.joanne
Sheryl Tenikat
04/06/2017
To Leonard's family and friends, my condolences on your loss. Leonard will be greatly missed here at the North Side Senior Center. He was a definite presence, full of spunk and sassy remarks.
I was happy for Leonard that he made the Veteran's flight to Washington, D.C. to see the Veteran's War Memorial. He was so proud of that and proud too of his family. And if you mentioned fishing he would talk your ear off. Boy did Leonard love to fish.
Good fishing Leonard.
Linda Ousley
04/04/2017
Family - Leonard will definitely be missed. He was a familiar face at gatherings, family or otherwise. You could look around and there he was. It would be hard not to notice the 'void' left by his absence; but easy to remember his presence. I pray for peace and comfort to your hearts. Have a wonderous rest, Leonard!
Debra Lasseter
04/03/2017
You will definitely be missed Leonard. especially all the family reunions. god bless you and rest easy
Eloise (Ellie) Ousley
03/31/2017
Leonard, you were my dad's cousin, but you were like an uncle to all of us kids. Telling outlandish stories, giving us money, and making us laugh. You led a remarkable life, and you had a generous spirit. The angels have welcomed you with open arms. Rest peacefully with the Father.
Rich Baldwin
03/30/2017
God took you sooner then expected, but he must of had a BASS tournament waiting for you. I always enjoyed your many stories about fishing and the friendship we shared. I can't express how much I'll miss you and your determination. Rest in peace.
Jeffrey Lloyd
03/29/2017
ThE heaven are looking on to you with love and welcome as you enter the kingdom, you will be miss from all the family heart with so many blessing. Amen and rest in peace with the love from all of us
Arthur Bronson
03/29/2017
I knew this time was coming but expected to see you again at the IFBBA Spring Classic I'm May. It will not be the same without you. Going forward it will be named the IFBBA Leonard McGregor Spring Classic Buddy Bass Tournament every May. Can't express the love, and admiration for you. You were like my second father but also my friend. Glad you that you are resting.
Tara Elzy
03/29/2017
I will always remember my uncle Leonard as a loud fun loving character who would come by and take my brothers fishing, he always had a story tell. If there's a heaven I'm sure he's up there cracking up some Angels
Ricki King
03/28/2017
Cousin Leonard, you will be missed. I will miss seeing you at the Fair working the bench. That is sitting on the bench near the front gate watching people leave the Fair although you were to be watching people come in. I always got a kick out of teasing you about it. Hearing you talk about your fishing trips.
Rest in peace. Ricki King