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Leonard Philbrook passed away February 26, 2006 at this Echo Dell Ranch home in Descanso. His dear wife, Juanita and a hospice were assisting him during a long illness. Leonard will long be remembered for his stories of growing up as a Lakeside farm boy and him playing the harmonica and accordion at social events. His parade ready shiny tractors and cars were his trademark.
Leonard was born March 6, 1917 at the family homestead on Willow Road. He was one of five children born to Ira and Harriet Philbrook. His Grandparents, Morris and Harriet Philbrook were one of the first pioneer families, coming to Lakeside in 1885. They were farmers, raising all sorts of fruits and vegetables and milk to sell. His son, Lenny, said "Dad always loved growing things, he shared everything, and he was so nice and a lot of people took advantage of that."
Leonard married Rose Emberly, a daughter of Flossie Beadle, they had two children, son, Lenny and daughter, Leona; they later divorced. When he went to work at Ryan Aircraft Company in 1949, he met Juanita Weaver who he soon married. Together they raised the two children, who consider her their Mom. Leonard also took other boys under his wing and Wyatt Allen claims Leonard as his foster Dad. "He kept us busy and out of trouble."
In 1942 Leonard bought a two story house on Willow Road, this home had been built by his Grandfather, Morris Philbrook. The farmhouse was on the Historical Society's Holiday Home Tour twice. Leonard was on hand and would delight in playing his harmonica and accordion for the tour guests. They also enjoyed hearing his tales of growing up in Lakeside . . . "I would go down to the river and cut firewood for my Mom's stove and at Christmas cut a branch to bring home to decorate for a Christmas tree."
Later he and Juanita moved into the little house on the hill overlooking Highway 67 and Willow Road. He opened a stand by the highway and sold his homegrown watermelons, corn, tomatoes, milk and fruit. The stand is still there right by the road edge. He also sold hay that he grew on various lots around Lakeside.
Leonard and Juanita were charter members of the Lakeside Historical Society and were involved with the restoration of the Olde Community Church. When the Society took over the building erected in 1896 they found the walls were full of bees. Leonard came to the rescue and removed the hive. The Historical Society sold jars and jars of honey for many years.
Leonard and Juanita moved to Descanso in the mid 1980s where he collected farm implements and antiques. He also still loved farming and growing things. He kept his tractors and Ford Roadster in tip top shape and often entered in the Lakeside Western Days Parade and the Descanso Parade.
A memorial service was held at the Olde Community Church on March 4, 2006. A reception was held at the home his grandson, Gene Anderson. Family and friends
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