Leonard W. Ely
Oct. 2, 1923-April 29, 2011
Palo Alto, California
Leonard W. Ely, a man who will be remembered for his passion for family, community, and his alma mater, Stanford University, died at 87 on April 29, 2011, in Palo Alto.
A true local, Leonard was born in Palo Alto in 1923, the son of Dr. Leonard Ely and Jessica Wilbur Ely and grandson of the University's third president, Ray Lyman Wilbur. He graduated from Palo Alto High School and flew B-24s as an Air Force pilot in the Pacific during World War II before returning to Stanford, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1948 and an MBA in 1950.
It was there that he met Shirley, who would become his wife of 63 years. The two were married in 1947 and raised two children in the house in which Mr. Ely grew up on Bryant Street.
While Leonard was a successful businessman and ran several car dealerships, it is his service to his community where he truly made an impact. A living example of one of his favorite quotes, "We make a living out of what we earn, but a life out of what we give," Leonard served on the boards of more than 30 organizations, including the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Castilleja School Foundation, Peninsula Stroke Association, and the Mid-Peninsula High School. He was repeatedly honored for his service, notably with the Palo Alto Tall Tree Award and the Spirit of Philanthropy Award from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
Perhaps the honor of which Leonard was most proud was receiving the Gold Spike Award, Stanford's highest honor for volunteer leadership service. His continuing commitment to the university is evident in the generous support he and Shirley give to the Hoover Institution and the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). Beyond Stanford, his belief in the importance of education led him to support numerous students in various educational pursuits.
Leonard was a member of the Bohemian Club, the Menlo Country Club, and the Palo Alto Club where he enjoyed sharing his famous stories. An avid fisherman, he loved the outdoors, especially the Sierras, where he spent time every summer throughout his life. He and Shirley also enjoyed traveling the world.
Leonard's greatest joy, as he told them often, was his family. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his son Leonard Ely III, daughter Margaret Ely Pringle, daughter-in-law Mary Ely, grandchildren Abby Pringle, David Pringle, Will Pringle and David Ely, and his twin sister Jessica Ely Hart. Leonard was preceded in death by a son David Dwight Wilbur Ely. The family is grateful to Karen Eatinger, Leonard's devoted office assistant and to Monte Fau for the outstanding care he provided over the past few years.
Leonard was surrounded by his family at Stanford Hospital in his final moments. A few hours before he passed, Mr. Ely opened his eyes and told his family, "It's been a lot of fun." That is the way he lived his life.
In lieu if flowers, the family suggests donations to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, 2440 West El Camino Real, Suite 300, Mountain View, CA 94040, or to the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at Stanford Memorial Church on Thursday, May 26, at 4 p.m. Parking and shuttles will be available at Galvez Field on the corner of Galvez Street and Campus Drive.
Tags: veteran, business, public service
