Leon Jay Squires was born on September 16, 1937, in Glasgow, Montana, to Lisle and Cecile (Turnacliff) Squires. He was the youngest of three children.
Leon spent his early years in Fort Peck. He loved sports of all kinds, which included playing on the Fort Peck baseball team. He would ride his bicycle to the pool during the summer and excelled at diving. While attending Glasgow High School, his love of sports continued. Leon never forgot his days playing basketball for the Scotties.
After graduation, he joined the Army Reserves, but was never called to active duty. He went on to attend and receive his degree from Kinman Business College in Spokane.
After returning to Glasgow, Leon started his career as a banker with First National Bank where he met Helen Newton. On December 3, 1960, they married. Through the good times and the hard times, it was a love that lasted more than 63 years.
Leon worked for First National Bank for many years, where he was named a vice president. In the late 1970’s, he left to start a mobile home dealership with Duane Holton and Don Runningen. The partners ran Scottie Homes until the base closed down and business in the region slowed. After dissolving, Leon went to work as an agricultural real estate appraiser at Farm Credit Services, where he worked until retirement.
Leon and Helen had two sons, Gary and Dale. They started golfing at Sunnyside Country Club while the boys were quite young. It was a sport that the whole family enjoyed, even after the boys were grown. Leon and Helen remained active members at Sunnyside for more than fifty years, a span that included two holes in one for Leon (both on #6).
After retirement, Leon and Helen happily filled their days with family and friends, traveling, and golfing. They joined the snowbirds and flocked to Arizona where they found property outside of Yuma, and for the past twenty years, have made the desert their winter home. Leon loved it and couldn’t wait to get back each Fall. He passed on May 2, 2024, while in his Arizona home with Helen by his side.
Leon was predeceased by his parents, Lisle and Cecile Squires, his brother, Harold Squires (Myrel), sister Donna Lee Etchart (Mitch) and son, Dale Squires. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen, son, Gary Squires (Dawn), grandson, Joshua Squires (Kayla), two great grandchildren, Logan and Lane, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A memorial service for Leon will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10:00 am, at Bell Mortuary, 701 2nd Ave. S., in Glasgow, followed by burial of his ashes at Highland Cemetery. Please join the family for a luncheon and reception at Sunnyside Country Club, 95 Skylark Road, following the service.