Leonard Fitzgerald

I will never forget Leonard. I met him around 1990. He spent many years volunteering at the Health Support Center and I would also see him around town, walking or on his bike. He was very sweet, creative and articulate ... very passionate about human rights and self-expression and active in the community. I enjoyed listening to what he had to say. I have not seen him for about ten years and was aware that he was becoming increasingly frail, so I had wondered about him. My condolences to his family.

I vividly remember a performance at Theatre Guild in which he was utterly splendid. I also remember how he absolutely buffaloed a department chair at WWU, using his theatrical skills to nearly scare the pants off him. He was the type of campus character that is so valuable and is so sadly absent these days. An extremely clever and thoughtful person. A loss for us all.

I first met Leonard in a WWU Film Studies class where he intimidated both the other students and the professor with his knowledge of the the subject matter, and his seemingly gruff manner (though I'm convinced now that he was acting a role). The man had a great thirst for learning. Later I befriended him. I have a habit of collecting characters in my life. He was definitely a "collectible". Leonard, I love the irony of the sign you're holding in your photo. Knowing you, you chose that photo on purpose. Wherever you are, remember to raise a little hell.

At the Friday Vigil for Peace and Justice, we are used to the occasional gunning of an engine and screeching take off through the intersection of Cornwall and Magnolia, or even the pretty rare flashing of the bird in reply to our peace signs, and these are actions we take in stride. I believe Leonard was the only vigiler in our long history to have, in reply to an angry bird-flashing driver, flashed him one right back. Leonard did not go by the rules, and we loved him for it.

Leonard was a mainstay, a regular presence at the Friday Peace Vigils which is where I first him eleven years ago. Neither rain, nor wind, nor an occasional harsh word could dampen his salty spirit, which always lifted mine and made me laugh. He was an iconoclast and my kind of hero. He will be sorely missed at that corner. Leonard, we stand in your stead for peace and justice. You will always be there with us in memory and spirit. Happy Trails.

The Friday Peace & Justice Vigil was a regular part of Leonard's schedule for many years (though I don't know how many), and that is the place that I saw him most. He often brought a sign to hang around his neck -- often a sign that he had made that week -- his signs were both 'timely' and 'unique'. The ones that I remember were painted on paper, and then stuck (somehow) to cardboard. I appreciated and respected the fact, not only that he was willing to make this effort (which is rare), but that he really seemed to know what was going on in the national political arena (which is even rarer). The fact that he was nearly blind, and could not get around very well, made that all seem 'fantastic' to me. Leonard was a model for perseverance, and concern for humanity. He contributed more than his share to our community, and we are saddened to have him part company with us. Peace and justice to all.

Mary and I are thankful to have met and known Leonard. At adult education classes at our Church, he showed his faith but also his critical thinking about traditional doctrines. During rides we gave him to and from the demonstrations, he expressed his wide knowledge of world issues and support of peace with justice. And at periodic visits I paid him at the nursing/retirement home, he expressed his friendship and appreciation for gestures of kindness.

I have posted a video of Leonard's memorial service here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JryWe4lgZQ&feature=youtu.be