[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LATE DR. LEO LEONARDI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to pause for a moment and have this 
body pay respect to a pillar of the Salida, Colorado community. Dr. Leo 
Leonardi was killed in a plain crash in Illinois on March 10. He was on 
his way to see patients after he flew his wife to Oklahoma to be with 
her ill father. He was 77 years old. For more than 50 years, Dr. 
Leonardi dedicated his life to serving his patients and his community. 
To many he was more than a doctor, he was a beloved member of the 
family.
  In front of 800 people, Dr. Leonardi's daughter, Michelle said that 
the MD meant ``My Daddy'' . . . Being his daughter has always meant 
sharing him with the community.''
  During Dr. Leonardi's 52 years of service, he delivered more than 
3,000 babies, and tended to the medical needs of three generations of 
many Chaffee County families. He played a crucial role at Salida's 
hospital, where he served as a director on the governing board, holding 
a seat for 30 years. He provided some of the down payment on the Denver 
and Rio Grande Hospital to keep the facility in the community. He 
played a key role in establishing Columbine Manor, Salida's only 
nursing home. Dr. Leonardi provided money to St. Joseph Credit Union so 
it could start lending funds to customers. He served on the school 
district board, and was a member of the Salida Elks Lodge 808 for 51 
years. ``I can't believe this. I dearly loved that man. He was our 
family doctor since we came to town,'' said Elsie Curtis, a resident of 
Columbine Manor.
  ``He was a wonderful doctor, but he could also give you hell when he 
wanted to.''
  ``I entered with Dr. Leonardi in 1953,'' said Dr. William Mehos. ``It 
was obviously a good relationship. Not many doctors stay together 48 
years. Not only were we partners we were best friends. My wife and I 
will miss him very much.''
  Mr. Speaker, this is a sad time for the community of Salida, 
Colorado. Dr. Leonardi was a member of everyone's family. He is one of 
the few doctors that still makes house calls. In 1998 he celebrated 50 
years in medicine. With his passing, a great man has left us. One of 
the thousand points of light has gone out, but his memory lives on in 
those who knew him.

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