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Leonard lived a rich and fulfilled life. He
combined scholastic work as a lecturer and writer with that of an Anglican
priest.
He was always grateful for
his education at
Newcastle Royal Grammar School,
Pembroke College Oxford, Peterhouse College Cambridge and Ripon Hall.
The
many facets of his life and the widespread affection in which he is held are
reflected by the number at his funeral and the many letters Evelyn has
received.
In 1952, as a newcomer to
the area, he worshipped at St Mary's for the first time. The new vicar,
Squire Heaton-Renshaw, spotted his clerical collar. Immediately the service
ended, he greeted him by asking him to be his part-time honorary curate.
Leonard accepted and he held the position for a number of years. He was also
a full-time lecturer at the College
of St Mark
and St John,
Chelsea. When a stipendiary curate was appointed, Leonard was free to help
at any church in need. This he much enjoyed. In 1957, he was asked to be the
honorary part-time curate at St John's Church, Kingston Vale and he
continued to serve in this capacity until his death.
He particularly valued
taking duty at St Mary's: he regarded us as his family parish church. Many
will remember his gift for preaching: he could express deep truths in a few
words, spiced with dry humour.
When the College of St
Mark and St John moved to Plymouth, Leonard moved to Whitelands College and
later was a tutor for the Open University. He enjoyed his contact with
students and they with him. As well as his teaching, they appreciated his
sense of fun and lack of pretension. Past students came to the funeral.
He was a prolific writer,
with nearly 30 books to his name and countless articles. He never asked a
publisher to produce a book of his; neither did he refuse a request to write
on a specific subject. The majority of
his writings are of theological and historical interest. They do, however,
include one on trains! Some of his works are erudite, others are used by A
Level candidates today, others are for popular reading. Last August, he
proofread 17 articles he had written for the New Dictionary of National
Biography -yet to be published.
In spite of all their
commitments, Leonard and Evelyn entered into social occasions with alacrity:
their presence always enlivened the gathering.
Leonard and Evelyn were
married for 54 years. They were united by their love of each other and of
their son, Alan, their dedication to the Church and the study of History.
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