Leo Albert Poole

Job 19:25-27 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Leo Albert Poole, age 85, passed away in his home on the morning of July 31, 2018. Leo was born in Mill City, Oregon to Ruth and James Poole on August 5, 1932 and spent his younger years on the family farm with Sisters Kathleen and Delores and Brother Jim, and deceased brothers Lester and Lawrence. In December of 1952, Leo married the love of his life Susan E. Mikkelsen (Dec.). Sue and Leo began their family in 1953 with the birth of their son Leo Jr. followed by sisters Gloria (Dec.) and Sally and son Kevin. An exchange student from Japan, Masami, became the family’s third daughter. Leo is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. With a passion for public service driving him, Leo decided to become an educator. He completed his undergraduate degree for teaching from Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, Oregon and followed this with a Masters Degree in Education (Math) from Oregon State University. Hundreds of students gained life lessons from the forty plus years Leo taught as an Elementary School Teacher in the Mill City and Gates school system. His enjoyment of the outdoors also drew him to summer work with the U.S. Forest Service, where his crew blazed trails with cross cut saws and axes through that which would eventually become the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area. Leo’s passion for fishing far exceeded lifelong hunting trips, hobbies of reloading, rod building, photography, Sunday evening Bridge with the McCurdys and gardening/landscaping. He was known to leave school as soon as the bell rang and head for the old Gleason Hole on the North Santiam River for spring chinook. Or slip over to neighbor Bill Lewellen’s freezer to unsteal salmon eggs and then head to Spencers Hole for an evening fish! Later in life, Leo enjoyed the company of friends at the Line Hole where he would catch and fillet Chinook for family and Mill City acquaintances. Leo was loved by many and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation for school supplies on Leo's behalf. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Service.