Leo Ronald Gervais

In Loving Memory of Leo Gervais

Leo Gervais was born in 1934 in North Dakota to LDA and Elsie (Hanson) Gervais, joining an older brother, Wally and sister, Delores (Hattrick). During his early childhood, severe asthma prompted his parents to make the difficult decision to send him to live with his grandparents in Wapato, Washington, just south of Yakima, where the climate was believed to be better for his health. After several years, he reunited with his family when they settled in Toppenish, Washington.

Leo attended elementary school, junior high, and Toppenish High School, graduating in 1952. From an early age, athletics became one of his greatest passions. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball and was admired for both his athletic ability and his character. Even as a young boy, Leo enjoyed organizing neighborhood games and encouraging other children to form teams so they could play together on Saturdays. His natural leadership, kindness, and enthusiasm for sports were evident throughout his life.

While attending Toppenish High School, Leo met the love of his life, Jeanne LeBlanc. Although Jeanne was one year ahead of him in school, Leo’s athletic success brought them into the same circle of friends. They spent many evenings together after games, at school dances, and enjoying the simple pleasures of small-town life. Their friendship soon blossomed into a lifelong love.

Jeanne graduated in 1951 and enrolled at Central Washington College. Leo followed a year later after graduating from high school. Although Jeanne’s parents believed they were too young to marry while attending college, Leo and Jeanne were certain of their future together. During Christmas break in 1952, they secretly married and returned to college as husband and wife, determined to complete their education while building a life together.

After graduating from college, Leo and Jeanne began their teaching careers in Moses Lake, Washington, where they taught for two years. When Leo’s principal accepted a position on the west side of the state, he invited Leo to join him at Edgemont Junior High in the Puyallup School District. The family relocated to Edgewood and Leo began a long and fulfilling career teaching shop, physical education and coaching various sports. During his tenue at Edgemont he successfully led the school teams to many championship seasons.

Together, Leo and Jeanne raised four children—three sons, Steve (Nancy), Scott (Denise), Chris (Kari) and one daughter, Carri (Tim Salios). Family was the center of Leo’s life. He encouraged each of his children in athletics and in life, rarely missing a game or opportunity to cheer them on. His love for young people extended beyond his own family. He often arrived at school early to visit with students who needed encouragement, guidance, or simply someone willing to listen.

In addition to teaching, Leo directed the Pierce County Parks summer baseball program, working with children from T-ball through older youth leagues. Through coaching and mentoring, he taught not only athletic skills but also sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence, and respect.

Leo was equally devoted to serving his community. He faithfully served as a deacon at Edgewood Community Church and was an active member of the Edgemont/Fife Education Association, holding the positions of both president and treasurer over the years. Whether in the classroom, at church, or in the community, Leo led with humility, integrity, and compassion.

Retirement allowed Leo to devote more time to the people and activities he loved most. He enjoyed golfing with friends, spending hours in his woodworking shop creating projects for his family, and helping his children with homebuilding and remodeling projects. He found joy in working with his hands and sharing his talents with those he loved.

Leo’s greatest pride was his family. Together, he and Jeanne created a legacy that continues through their four children, ten grandchildren, and twenty-one great-grandchildren, with a twenty-second eagerly anticipated. Watching his family grow and attending their games, performances, and milestones brought him immeasurable happiness.

Leo will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a respected teacher, coach and mentor, a faithful servant, and a loyal friend. His kindness, quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering faith touched countless lives and inspired generations of students, athletes, neighbors, and friends.

Though he is no longer with us, Leo’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the lives he shaped, and the community he faithfully served. He will forever remain in our hearts, and his example of faith, love, service, humility, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edgewood Athletic Association (EAA) P.O.Box 366 Milton, WA 98354.