born to Frank and Eleanor Leonard on Nov. 6, 1941, in Usona, in a log cabin. Sam served in the U.S. Navy in the late 1950’s and returned to school after his service to his country.

He worked for Xerox and retired after 20 years of employment. Sam and Judy built and opened a feed store in Raymond, bought some cows and settled into retirement. Throughout his life he rodeoed as a saddle bronc rider, was a member of the California Cowboys Association and the California Indian Rodeo Association

Sam was proud of his Miwok Indian heritage and played on various Indian baseball teams as well as rodeos. He played the guitar and sang for various country western bands he created. Sam was also a logger and a mule packer in Yosemite National Park. His grandfather, Archie Leonard, was the first park ranger in Yosemite and escorted President Teddy Roosevelt on his visit to the Park. Sam and Judy were the grand marshalls of the Raymond Parade in 2006. They were married for 43 Years.

Sam was preceded by his parents and a brother, Orville Leonard.

He is survived by his children, David Leonard Ferranti and his wife, Cheryl of Bay City, MI; Lorre Leonard and Kim Leonard Preston and her husband Darin, all of Raymond; his siblings, Frank Leonard and his wife Virginia of Colorado, Towser Leonard of Ahwahnee, Mildred Card and her husband Norman of Mariposa and Bill Leonard and his wife Pam of Mariposa. He was the grandfather of Matthew Leonard Ferranti, Hannah Leonard Ferranti, Danielle Benedetti, Jessica Byrd, Brandon Byrd, Shelby Preston, Samantha Preston, Sarah Preston and Emmet Preston.

Service were held at Yosemite Lake Community Church in Yosemite Lakes Park on Jan .23, with a private family burial in Mariposa. Arrangments were under the direction of Jay Chapel of Madera.