Leonard M. Smith | Architect and Real Estate Agent

Leonard Marvin Smith was born on December 26, 1922, in Larned, Kansas, to Marvin and Nelle Smith. He attended local schools and graduated from Southwestern College, in Winfield, Kansas. He received officer's training at Columbia University, in 1944, and served as a naval officer in both the Mediterranean and the Pacific. He was serving as navigator for the Underwater Demolition Team flagship anchored in Tokyo Bay at the end of the war.

Leonard and Grace Eckel were married, in 1944, and they moved to San Diego, in 1946. After selling real estate for several years, he opened his own office, in the early 1950s. He had an architectural background and designed 75 to 100 homes in La Mesa and Mt. Helix, that his brothers-in-law, George and Wayne Eckel, built and he subsequently sold. Leonard was president of the La Mesa Board of Realtors, in 1958, named Realtor of the Year, in 1972, and was instrumental in establishing the local multiple listing service (MLS) for the industry. While he made a point of never taking life or himself too seriously, he always took real estate seriously and was proud of the reputation he and his office earned serving clients during a 65-year career.

Leonard was an avid golfer and belonged to both San Diego and De Anza Country Clubs. He was also a committed Chargers fan, holding season tickets, since 1960. He and Grace traveled extensively and he was fond of presenting the family with slide shows of their travels, occasionally showing one too many slides. He was quick-witted, particularly fond of family gatherings, and enjoyed excellent health for nearly 89 years.

Leonard died peacefully in his home, on December 15, 2011. He was survived by his wife Grace, of 67 years, his son David (Lori) and daughter Jill (Gary); his grandchildren Sydel, Zachary, Sydney, Spencer, Chelsea and Willie; and his great-grandson Sawyer. Predeceased by his son Gary, in 2008, and his sister Margaret Henderson, in 2011.