Obituary of Roy Charles McLeod

Roy was born December 30, 1926 to Angus Murdock McLeod and Ella Amelia (Young) McLeod in Seattle , Washington . He spent his childhood on a small farm in the Kent Valley where he was active in 4H and developed his skill and love for animals. Roy attended Washington State University after graduating from Renton High School . He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the same fraternity his grandson, Nick Cebula, is now a member of. He graduated at 21 years of age in 1948 with a degree in History and a minor in Geography and began his teaching career at Ocosta School District on the Washington coast. At the start of his second year at Ocosta (Wesport), a beautiful first year teacher named Betty Ierulli moved into a nearby cabin. Roy was the first to meet her and enjoyed introducing her to the rest of the staff. They were married three years later on August 18, 1951. Roy took a teaching and counseling position with the Renton School District in Renton , Washington and he and Betty moved to the Kent Valley right after their marriage. In 1954 Roy was drafted into the U.S. Army and he served as a teaching assistant to an international officers training school in Japan . Here officers from countries sympathetic to the United States were trained during the Korean War conflict. He had the opportunity to tour Japan and greatly enjoyed his time while in the service. He was honorably discharged in 1956. In 1959 Roy joined the Clover Park School District in Lakewood , Washington . There he served as Vice-Principal for a year, opening the brand new school, Woodbrook Junior High. In the years to follow he also occupied the position of Principal at both Mann Junior High and Hudloff Junior High later serving as the head of Secondary Education for the CP District for 8 years. Interacting with the students was Roy 's favorite part of his day and he wanted to spend the end of his career back in the Junior High setting. He returned to Mann Junior High as Principal and retired in 1987 after 28 years at Clover Park School District and 39 years as a public educator. The McLeod family expanded in 1961 with the arrival of Mary and again in 1964 with the addition of Laurie. Ponies facilitated a family move from Lakewood to Yelm and to the "farm". Here Roy was able to work with the animals he loved including horses, cows, rabbits, chickens (once), pheasants, dogs and cats. He and Betty were able to garden and Roy was again active in 4-H supporting Laurie in her horseback riding and in the local Briarwood Pony Club. They remained on the farm until 1988 when Roy and Betty moved back to Lakewood . Grandchildren enriched his life when Nicholas James was born in 1983 followed by Nick's cousins Brittney Ann in 1986 and Hannah Elizabeth in 1989. Together, the "McLeod Clan" enjoyed family barbeque's and trips to the family beach cabin in Westport; watching the next generation grow and become the well-rounded, caring people that they are today. In later years he and Betty enjoyed traveling and visited places such as Spain , Portugal , England , and Ireland . He also traveled to Australia , New Zealand , Italy and Alaska . Roy made many friends on his travels and it was a highlight for him each year. His rich, full life is a tremendous legacy to his family. His strong and loyal 49 year marriage to Betty continues to be an inspiration to his children and grandchildren. Additionally, Roy was influential to many students who remember "Mr. McLeod" and his high expectations for their success. He was and is loved deeply and will be missed everyday. A special thank you, Pa, from your "girls" for challenging us to be our best and passionately counseling us on how to get there.