Leon Reese Brinkerhoff rode into “new country on a fine horse” when he passed away September 12th, 2021 at his home in Glendale, Utah surrounded by his family. Leon was 67 years old.
He was born January 18th, 1954, the youngest of eight children born to Charles Wilber and Kathleen Reese Brinkerhoff. He graduated from Valley High School. On April 23rd, 1977 he married Sally Esplin, together they raised 5 daughters.
Leon worked for Arizona Fuels before proceeding on to law enforcement for the Town of Orderville and then for the Kane County Sheriffs Office. After 32 years in law enforcement he retired. His true passion was ranching. He loved horses, cattle, good boots and a nice hat. Leon loved a good visit, he made many friends and impacted many lives throughout his life.
Leon’s grandkids were one of his joys, The grandkids were always welcomed, fed and loved at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
He is survived by his wife Sally, his daughters Joeie (Haze) Harris, Amanda (Raymond) Brinkerhoff, Kristy (Lance) Brinkerhoff, Cie Jae Brinkerhoff, Brandy (Marvin) Hoyt,and 11 grandchildren. His brother Charles (Darlene) Brinkerhoff, sisters Marilyn (Issac) Johnson, Elaine (George Lamb, deceased) (Lee) Sorensen, Ellen (Dee) Sorensen and LaPriel (Lyle) Clark. Leon was proceeded in death by his parents Charles Wilber and Kathleen Reese Brinkerhoff, his brother James and sister Norma.
A viewing will be held on Friday, September 17th, 2021 from 6 to 7 pm at the Glendale LDS Church and on Saturday from 10 to 11 am. A Graveside service will be held at 12 “high noon” on Saturday, September 18th, 2021 in the Glendale Cemetery.
Memories of a real man!
A real man who had time for young ones:
One of my earliest memories of Uncle Leon was riding in a truck, just me and him in a big rig between Kanab and Orderville as he made a run. For a little kid who loved tractors and trucks it was a dream come true.
A real man who loved the creations of his Maker, the land, the cows and dogs and horses:
In my teenage years I remember being invited out for a ound up on Arizona strip I think, watching real cowboys at work, roping and branding, still have the tangy smell of burned hide in my nose!
A real man who loved people (and good meat)
In recent years I remember sitting with him at home and enjoying a playful bantering conversation. Our Thanksgiving celebrations took on a new dimension when he got a smoker and it was a culinary revelation to me when we first had smoked turkey!!
Now almost 50 years later his truck ride is the only one I’ve had, Bless him!
If you knew Leon Brinkerhoff, you knew a real man.
What a fine man and friend. We will miss hanging out with Leon and just knowing he is out there doing his best to keep us all safe.
I have known Leon since his mother brought him home from the hospital, and been a friend of the family all of his life, he was a great guy and pleasant to be around, after Brian became a Deputy and our families intertwined, I have seen a great father who was out numbered by females in the family, but he made cow hands out of them except Brandy, she had other interests. LEON, revered by Brian who said that he could diffuse a domestic situation and do so without problems. LEON will be missed by all in our community. We are co-grampas to some wonderful kids.
God speed LEON in your new adventure and reunion.
He was so special not matter what he made sure to check on you to make sure you were ok always a kind word. He will be sorely missed.
One of the best guys I know. Love Leon. He will definitely be missed by many
Leon was a great neighbor and friend. Loved visiting with him and Sally. They were so patient with me and my 5 small kids as they invaded his barn and home. Loved his support while I helped coach his three daughters on Valleys basketball team. He was the bus driver and unofficial wall coach at every game. I loved and appreciated his wisdom, humor, and friendship. Thanks Leon for all you did for me and my family!
I have known Leon all my life and he was a really good guy . Happy Trails Leon !!
Leon was a true cowboy and, because of his people-oriented personality, one of the most effective law enforcement officers I had the privilege of working with. But even more importantly, he was a good friend. He enjoyed a good visit. I throughly enjoyed my visits with him, which I will now greatly miss.
Leon was a true cowboy. Because of his people-oriented skills and personality, he was also one of the most effective law officers I had the privilege of knowing. Leon was a good friend. I throughly enjoyed my “good visits” with him, which I will now miss for a season.
What a great man!!! I consider Leon a true friend! Leon always treated people with respect and kindness!!! My heartfelt prayers are with your family!!! Leon would always tell me, shoot low Sheriff they’re riding Shetlands!!! I’m lucky to have been able to rub shoulders with this wonderful friend!!!
Some of my best memories in law enforcement was working with Leon. He taught me how to be a better husband, dad and cop. Thank you for the good times my friend.
What a great man! Hardworking, genuine, and fun! Yes, Leon, will be greatly missed.