Leonard Safin

Leonard Safin, 82, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2020 after a brief stay at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born July 17, 1937 in Decatur to Alexander and Mary (Gresik) Safin. The family will receive guests from 5-7pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am, Wednesday March 18, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Mary’s St., Decatur. Burial to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. Memorial contributions may be given to the Decatur Public Schools Athletic Dept. Leonard was a graduate of Decatur High School, class of 1955. He proudly served his county in the US Army for six years and was honorably discharged in 1965. He then went on to work for Sunstrand Copper Tubing in Dowagiac, Michigan where he was a plant supervisor. While there, he met and eventually married Judith Ann Carlton on November 20, 1971 in Decatur and remained married for 40 years. He faithfully represented Sunstrand for 34 years. After the unfortunate closing of Sunstrand, he was employed by Rajzer's Nursery for three years. He then moved to a position with Decatur Public Schools as a custodian for eight years, which he retired from. He also maintained secondary employment as a groundskeeper for Holy Family Catholic Church for 25 years. Leonard, as a younger man, enjoyed spending his time outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. Then later as a small farm owner and as a life-long avid gardener. He is described by those who knew him as gentle, quiet, humble, sweet, modest, and hard-working. He will be remembered by his children, extended family and grandchildren who will miss him especially. Leonard is survived by his children: Christopher Safin of Las Animas, Colorado, Stephanie (Jesse) Turley of Charlotte, Michigan and Carrie (Justin) Rosema of Decatur, Michigan: along with his six adoring grandchildren Abigail Safin, Brycen and Jackson Turley and Amyleia, Wrenna and Zoe Rosema. He is preceded in death by his wife, Judith Safin; his siblings, Sophie Drenth, Edward Safin, Chester Safin, and Lillian Schoetzow.