Chris Clegg
The loss of historian David William Leonard July 3 at the age of 80 years is an unparaleled and tremendous loss to the Peace Country and all of Alberta.
Anyone with an interest in Peace Country history has read Leonard. He wrote several books on Peace Country history. Many of them adorn the shelves at local museums through the Peace and are a joy to read.
In short, Leonard was the authority on history. He was unmatched, not only in his knowledge of the history but his passion for researching to last detail and sharing through his many books.
I had heard of Leonard many times and finally had the chance to meet him at the High Prairie Museum years ago. He gave me a very short and blunt history on Peace Country geography. It went something like this:
“How come you never write about High Prairie and Grouard?” I asked him.
“High Prairie is not part of the Peace Country,” he replied. “It’s part of the Athabasca River watershed. “By definition, High Prairie and Grouard are not in the Peace Country. I will leave that to someone else and focus on the Peace.”
Of course, Leonard referenced High Prairie and Grouard in many of his writings when it involved the Grouard – Peace River Trail and Peace River Crossing (later renamed Peace River). Any mention of Peace River Crossing is not complete without some background of Grouard.
Over the years, I contacted Leonard a few times for information. He always had an answer. The man lived and breathed Peace County history. His memory was unmatched. He remembered everything. Never once, “I’ll call you back later.”
Leonard held archivist positions with the City of Edmonton, the Northwest Territories and the Province of Alberta. He was the provincial archivist from 1993-96. He taught archives and record management at the University of Alberta. In 1996, he became project historian for Northern Alberta.
Perhaps even more amazing to his credit, Leonard worked with several historical society across Alberta to help them collect and preserve their histories.
Born in Fairview and raised in Sexsmith, Leonard received many honours including the Alberta Order of Excellence 2007, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
As many of you know, I share Leonard’s passion for history. The History Page in South Peace News each week is the compilation of thousands of hours of research. I have included the High Prairie history book Trails We Blazed Together and over 60 years of South Peace News issues. I receive comments frequently on the Grouard history items. Years ago, I went to Edmonton and copied the entire Grouard News history (expect for 10 missing pages). A copy was presented the High Prairie Museum years ago to ensure one copy was around town in case of fire.
My interest in history also extends to the North Peace Hockey League. I have more history compiled and saved than anyone. I am flattered when I get phone calls and emails for information.
Never would I suggest I come close to Leonard for history gathered. The legacy he left for lovers and admirers of Peace Country history will be enjoyed forever and we all owe him a huge dent of thanks.
David W. Leonard was truly a treasure and will be missed.
And also part of my inspiration and passion for history.