Leonard Anthony Bear

Leonard Anthony Bear, 85, a long-time Hornbrook resident, passed away suddenly due to complications from a stroke on November 20, 2021, at Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta surrounded by his loving wife, Phyllis Bear; son, Ron Bear; and daughter, Kelly Bear. Leonard was born in Long Prairie, Minnesota on June 3, 1936, to Francis and Frank Bear. He moved out west with his parents at an early age. He grew up and attended school in the Seattle and Woodburn area with his ten siblings. After graduating high school in Seattle in 1955, he moved to Hornbrook, CA, where his father owned a ranch. He worked on the family ranch and attended two years at Southern Oregon College in Ashland, studying pre-engineering before being drafted into the army. After getting out of the army in 1961, he purchased the family ranch and worked at the sawmill in Hornbrook. In 1962 he met the love of his life, Phyllis Epley, in Hornbrook, and they were married July 26, 1964, in San Jose. They worked hand-in-hand on the ranch for the last 57 years. During the first few years of marriage, he worked for Spearin Brothers Logging, worked on his ranch raising hogs, and purchased the Hornbrook Water Company. Together they welcomed two children, Ron in 1966 and Kelly in 1968. Leonard continued to work several jobs at a time to provide for his family all while continuing to farm and raise cattle. Over the years he worked: at Hornbrook Elementary School as a bus driver and custodian for 20 years; built many homes and did backhoe work in the area; owned a water well drilling company for several years; was president of Cottonwood Irrigation and Mining Co.; was on the Hornbrook Volunteer Fire Department for years; and Hornbrook Elementary school board. Starting in 1985, he worked side-by-side with his son, Ron, building homes in Siskiyou County. He continued to do this up until his last days. It was quite an accomplishment to see four generations together on job sites the last few years. He never truly retired. He was always out working the land, helping on the job site, and helping his fellow community members. In 2018 a wildfire swept across Hornbrook and his ranch. Many neighbors evacuated but Leonard stayed to make fire breaks around their homes and saved many of them. The love and dedication he had for Hornbrook was shown with endless hours donated to bettering the community for no other reason than it was his home. Leonard was a devoted father and loving husband. He loved his family, ranch, and pets beyond compare. He had a kind and gentle heart. He especially loved his dogs, taking them for several walks every day. Leonard was an avid conversationalist. Boy did he love to talk. He would bend your ear for quite some time. Leonard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Bear; son, Ron Bear; and daughter, Kelly Bear all of Hornbrook; three grandchildren: Colton, Brenten, and Evan Bear; and numerous great-grandchildren. He also has many nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss him very much. Our family would like to express our great appreciation to Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta and to all of their staff for providing excellent care in his final days. There will be a graveside service at 1 pm Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Hornbrook Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the Hornbrook Community Bible Church. You are welcome to bring a pot-luck style dish or your favorite dessert to share along with your memories of Leonard to celebrate his life.

Leonard Anthony Bear

June 3, 1936 - November 20, 2021