Farewell, Brother Byron McLeese

Byron McLeese, a long time member of the B7 ward, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 29 at the Southern Utah VA Center in Ivins.  Although his health deteriorated dramatically over the past two years, Brother McLeese maintained his passion for life and sense of humor to the end.  

Said to have “earned every advantage” Bryon was “a testament to the American dream.”  He loved his wife Betty, their two children – Francine (Kerry) Cox of St. George and Bradley McLeese of SLC - his three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He also loved his church, his country, the U. S. Constitution, the Jazz and living in St. George.  Friends and family call him “punctual to a fault, fun loving but easily agitated and always a loyal and faithful friend.”  He was proud of his beautiful head of hair, but when it began to fall out due to chemotherapy, he took the shears and “evened it out!”

At the time of his marriage to Betty Kochevar in May, 1961, Byron worked as a title insurance executive at First Security Title. In 1969, the McLeese family moved to St. George where he became “busily engaged in life in red rock country” and a key player in developing Bloomington. Byron was a successful real estate broker “and a modern pioneer whose fingerprints are all over this town.”  Byron also owned and operated several convenience stores.

Byron served 25 years as an engineer in the U. S. Army, including a tour of combat duty in Korea.  In 1977 he retired as an Army Reservist with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Byron was active in the community serving many positions in the Rotary Club of St. George, Washington County Board of Realtors, Dixie Sunshiners, Bloomington Community Council, Dixie College Athletics, and the GOP Executive Committee. Honored as Washington County Realtor of the Year and Outstanding Republican, he was the first from Southern Utah to be appointed by the Governor to serve a term on the Utah Real Estate Commission.  In the B7 Ward, Byron served as “an exceptional” Executive Secretary to Bishop James Bown.

Byron was an avid sportsman who loved hunting with his friends and his son Bradley  Expeditions included Kodiak bear in Alaska and elk, moose, antelope and mountain lion in Utah. He enjoyed ownership of guns and target shooting which included reloading his own ammunition. Additional interests included golfing, boating, and spending time with family.  He received his pilot's license while in the Army and continued to enjoy flying in his civilian life.  

Brother Byron … you will be missed by family and friends who knew and loved you.  Rest in peace!