Leonard Jenkins

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Leonard Jenkins

Leonard Jenkins passed away on May 21, 2023 at the age of 79 after a short battle with cancer. Len will be forever remembered by his wife of 53 years, Elaine, of Sandy; daughter Meagen (Jeff) Wilson; son Joshua (Candi) Jenkins; daughter Adrienne (Seth) Harris; grandchildren Dustin, Noah, Samuel, Ethan, Emilia and Evan; and sister Linda Madon.

Len was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Eleanor Jenkins and brother John Jenkins.

Len was born in Detroit, Michigan and was a 1961 graduate of DeVilbiss High School in Toledo, Ohio. He attended the University of Toledo. He was a percussionist with the DeVilbiss HS Band, University of Toledo Band, Toledo Summer Concert Band, Toledo Opera Association Orchestra, Toledo Symphony Orchestra and the Toledo Ballet Orchestra. He took great pride in having the privilege of working with icons Philip Glass, Glenn Gould, Benny Goodman and Itzak Perlman. His experiences with conductors Seiji Ozawa, Serge Fournier and Joseph Hawthorne left him with impactful memories.

Len and his brother John ran The Tropics Lounge in Toledo after their father’s passing. Len was later the proprietor of the restaurant Cap’t Billys Whizz Bang in Toledo, Ohio and director of food service at Coca-Cola during the Salt Lake City Olympics, though the job that brought him the most fulfillment and pride was his position as an employment counselor for the State of Utah.

Len was an avid car enthusiast, loved to talk Porsche, and was an amateur race car driver in his youth. Len was devoted to and proud of his family, most especially his grandchildren. Len was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and former president of the NW Ohio Restaurant Association, with published recipes. He liked to call himself a foodie but truly was a traditionalist. He loved cooking for his family and church events. Specialties included meat, meat and more meat. Plus salt.

A funeral Mass to honor this life well-lived was celebrated on May 31, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Sandy.

We wish to personally thank cardiologist Dr. Scott Hacking, MD, who was an integral part of our “Dream Team” during Len’s 41-day hospitalization with COVID in 2021. Dr. Hacking provided hope and gave us almost two additional years together. Our deepest gratitude.

Memorial donations may be made in Len’s name to Fisher House Salt Lake City.