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In memory of
Michael Kenneth Leas
December 26, 1960 - June 14, 2019
Dec 26, 1960 - Jun 14, 2019
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Michael's obituary
12/26/1960 - 06/14/2019
Mike was born Dec. 26th, 1960 in Aurora, Illinois and passed away in his Payson, AZ home on June 14th, 2019 at the age of 58. Predeceased by his father, Donald Leas of Clarion, PA and survived by his two daughters, Danielle Leas of Payson, AZ and Linnea Butler and son in law, Mathew Butler, of Holly Ridge, NC, his mother, Dixie Davis Kalafsky and step father, Mike Kalafsky, of Blairesville, PA, his step mother Carol Leas of Clarion, PA, his sister Barbara Leas-Crow and brother in law, Tom Crow of Payson, AZ, his two nephews, Jonathan Smith of Queen Creek, AZ, and KB Maeglin of Tempe, AZ, and his three young grandchildren, Samuel, Greyson, and Paisley Butler.
Mike grew up in Clarion, PA, graduating from Clarion Area High School in 1979. He spent his youthful years competing in Diving events, coached by his talented father, Donald, and living life with a spontaneous and fun loving personality. After graduation, Mike took to the road, traveling and staying in a few states before settling in Mesa, AZ in the early 80’s. He attended Mesa Community College and graduated with certifications for welding. He then secured a career in welding for many years. Although, any minute of free time he had was spent sharing his passion and wealth of knowledge of the outdoors with his family and friends. Mike hosted many camping trips where cherished memories were made. He participated in countless fishing tournaments in his late 20’s and early to mid 30’s, but his love for Arizona hunting grew stronger and stronger as the years went on.
That passion for hunting resulted in Mike traveling hundreds of miles and acres in beautiful, sometimes unforgiving, land and terrain of his favorite areas in Arizona. He was a determined man who wouldn’t let anything prevent his desire to make it to that next mountain top. This determination lead to the creation of his most prized possession, Amber. Amber is a one of a kind, rock climbing, 4x4 vehicle that Mike built with his own two hands from the ground up. His daughters recall joking when they were younger as to who would get Amber when Mike’s time on this earth came to an end. His solution was simple, “Bury me in Amber,” he’d say. Although we all knew that was an impossible request, it goes to show how proud of Amber he was, as is the family to this day.
In 2002, Mike and his family moved to Payson, AZ to be closer to their favorite hunting, fishing, and camping spots. He started his own business in RV parts and repair services, Rim View RV, that allowed him to work closely to his passions. He was always quick to help a friend or neighbor in need, and brightened gatherings with his sense of humor and “Git-R-Done” attitude. He continued to teach and share his love of the outdoors with his daughters, who, with his help and guidance, grew to be successful and passionate hunters, as well. He was extremely proud of his daughters for their commitment and love for the same passions as his own. Danielle and Linnea are eternally grateful for the ever lasting skills and knowledge he instilled in them while growing up.
Mike had many friends who shared the same passions and hobbies as him. The family knows one of his favorite memories included his, once in a lifetime, Big Horn Sheep hunt. To those friends, and the many more he shared great memories and good times with, we hope you all can cherish those times because we assure you he did, as well.
At this time, there are no services planned, but per Mike’s wishes, he will be cremated. The family plans to spread his ashes in his favorite areas amongst those hundreds of miles and acres in Arizona that he created countless, precious memories with those he loved. Updates to any service plans will be shared with friends and family when the time comes.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages the sharing of memories you have with Mike and wants everyone to remember and celebrate the good times you shared with him. He will be missed tremendously, and it’s our hope that his determined and fun loving personality is inherited for generations to come.
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Created with love by
Linnea Butler.
