Leonard R. Quail's Obituary
Leonard Ralph Quail
Leonard was born October 20, 1950 to G. Adolph Quail and Lucile R. Teller in Brookings, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at Sinai Lutheran Church, Sinai, SD. After a valiant fight with cancer Leonard joined his heavenly father on Feb. 14, 2013.
Leonard lived life to the fullest.
He grew up on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather at Sinai, SD where he learned his work ethic. His older brothers taught him to hunt and play sports. At Arlington High School he was on the basketball team that won the State -Å"B- Championship in 1968.
As a child he showed musical talent, which his parents encouraged him to develop by playing the trumpet. He played in the Arlington High School band, which took three first places at the Red River Exposition in Winnipeg, Canada in 1968
He attended Sinai Public School through the eighth grade then transferred to Arlington High School graduating in 1968. After graduation he attended Dakota State University, Madison, SD, graduating with a Composite Music Major. While attending college he directed the Egan High School band for two years. For 5 years Leonard held the position of Music Director in the Armour Public School, Armour, SD.
One evening while discussing summer plans with his friend and co-teacher, Terry they thought it would be fun to take a bicycle tour. They traveled through western Canada, down the coast to California, and across to Las Vegas.
For a change in career, Leonard joined the US Army Band in order to perform. While touring in Germany, they would divide into small groups to play at small venues. In the states they would conduct band workshops and audition students who were interested in joining the army band.
The next step in his army career was officers' school after which he was assigned to C Co. 3/41 Infantry near Garstedt, West Germany for four years. Upon returning to the states, he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX and Fort Benning, GA. Leonard was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment at Camp Greaves, South Korea. Captain Quail took command of the Headquarters Company in February 1989.
While in Korea, Leonard met the love of his life Miss Yim, Unhwa (Robyn). On April 8, 1989, they were married at the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment Chapel on Camp Greaves, South Korea.
In 1990 he was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, KS where their son Cody was born. He was discharged with the rank of Captain in 1993.
After retiring they made their home in University Place. Retirement activities included operating a snack bar in the B & I and was a driver for the Tacoma News Tribune. He worked for the Tacoma Library System until illness forced his retirement in 2007.
No matter where he lived, Leonard with trumpet in hand would often have a band going. Also, Leonard was active in community musical activities, such as directing a church choir, giving private music lesson and playing in various small bands. He was a supporter of the Tacoma Youth Chorus.
Even though battling cancer Leonard faithfully attended his son, Cody's concerts and football games. He was a member of Mount Cross Lutheran Church
Leonard is survived by his wife Robyn, son Cody, siblings; Stanley, Phoenix, AZ, Phyllis (Allan) Knutson, Hartford, SD, Douglas (Lois), University Place, WA, Linda (Mike) Haley, Spokane, WA, Irwin (Lois) Worland, WY, Joan (Tom) Haley, Port Angles, WA. and Warren (Trudy), Sinai, SD, brother-in-laws; Unho Yim, New Zealand and Unsik Yim, Korea, sister-in-law, Silvia Li, University Place, WA, several nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nieces and nephews.
Arrangement made by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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