John “Jack” Vernon Leengran, 82, died on
Aug. 25, 2009. He leaves a legacy of many years of hard work and volunteer service.
Jack grew up in Chicago, Ill., attended Senn High School and graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., where he received a bachelor of science degree.
Between high school and college, he served in the Army Air Force during
World War II.
Afterward, he found his niche in sales, starting with a hardware company based in Iowa and then at Capitol Air Lines.
In 1955, Jack joined Rand McNally’s Bank Publishing Division, covering the Northwest. He eventually became international sales manager and covered Europe, the Middle East, South America, India, Australia, New Zealand and China. After 29 years at Rand McNally, Jack retired and joined the Thomson Financial Corporation to continue his sales work. He used to say he had called on every major bank in the world. He also said no more trips to African nations that change governments while you’re still on the plane.
After being fully retired, Jack continued to pursue his love of tennis and bridge, although he admitted he was much better at sales.
He sat on the boards of the Bayview Beach Water District and Useless Bay Golf & Country Club, where he also became the official bingo caller. He was active with the Bradley alumni association and helped set up the Seattle affiliation. He also volunteered at the Island County Sheriff’s South Whidbey Precinct in Freeland and the Citizen Patrol program. His love of all forms of transportation led him to the Washington state ferry system, where for
14 years he was chairman of the Clinton Ferry Advisory Committee.
Jack is survived by his wife, Mollie, of 48 years; many midwestern cousins, and nephew Christopher Middlebrook (Sara), of Alta Monte Springs, Fla.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 18341 Highway 525, Freeland.
Memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Western and Central Washington State, 12721 30th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125; or HomePlace Special Care Center, 171 SW Sixth Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
