Councilman Loved Family, Grosse Pointe Farms

Joe Leonard loved . He loved living there. He loved working there and he loved serving residents as a city councilman.

He also loved spending time with his family and at .

Leonard, 76, died at his home Sunday. He had a lengthy battle with cancer that was originally successful but the cancer returned and his health had been declining, Mayor James Farquhar said.

He was with his family, Farquhar said.

Leonard was first elected to the Grosse Pointe Farms council in 2003--the year after he retired from the city as its Public Service Director. He was then re-elected to council in 2007 and most recently in 2011.

Farquhar and fellow councilman Peter Waldmeir both expressed how sorely Leonard will be missed not only as a councilman but as a friend.

"Joe Leonard was one of the finest men I am proud to have ever known. As a Councilman, he treated every one and addressed every issue with dignity, compassion and respect. His knowledge of the City's infrastructure and zoning was invaluable. His humor and easygoing manner made every encounter a pleasure. He was always filled with great joy, hope, kindness  and love. I will miss Joe very much. I am so grateful that I had the good fortune to know such a fine man," Waldmeir said via email.

Not only did Leonard share his opinions openly but he was always respectful of the opinions of others, even when it wasn't in agreement with his own, Farquhar said.

"He was honest. He was a family man. He was a great human-being," Farquhar said. "I'm going to miss the big guy."

He was elected as the mayor pro tem by his fellow council members in 2011, Farquhar said, emphasizing their trust and support in Leonard.

"Joe was well-respected by all the council members. He was a straight-shooter," Farms City Manager Shane Reeside said. "You always knew where you stood with him. ...(his death) is critical loss to the city and the residents of the community. There have been a lot of tears shed at city hall. We've lost a friend."

While on council he served on several committees, including: parking and traffic, ordinance, beautification, budget and audit; and he served as the chairman for the Grosse Pointes/Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority.

Leonard worked for 34 years as a civil engineer for Wayne County as the Deputy Director and assistant county highway engineer before beginning his work in Grosse Pointe Farms in 1990, Reeside said.

His engineering and infrastructure knowledge were second to none, according to many officials throughout the Grosse Pointes.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne, two adult daughters and three grandsons.

Reeside said he was very active with his grandsons, often taking them to practice and spending time together. Leonard also enjoyed reading, especially mystery books, Reeside said.

Among his passions were his home up north in Harbor Springs, where he was active with the homeowners association and helped to make improvements there as well, Reeside said.

He was also active at , Reeside said.

Leonard's passing was noted by Grosse Pointe Shores City Manager Mark Wollenweber Tuesday. Wollenweber described Leonard as someone who was helpful to anyone throughout the Pointes and willing to share his institutional knowledge.

Services will be held Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Church.

Leonard is third councilman Grosse Pointe Farms has lost in a matter of years. . Prior to him, Doug Roby passed away.