Leon Thaddeus Scarbrough Jr.

Leon Thaddeus Scarbrough Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 11th, 2018.  He was 80 years old. Leon was born October 20th, 1938 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Leon (“Pat”) and Pearl Scarbrough.  As an “Army Brat” he moved often and lived in several locations such as Japan, Oklahoma, Germany, and Colorado. He graduated from the American High School in Heidelberg, Germany and later graduated from Auburn University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Administration. 

Leon followed his dream of flying and joined the USAF in Auburn, Alabama. He served proudly for 5 years earning the rank of Captain. During his time in the Air Force he was deployed to South Vietnam and was also a flight instructor at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. After his release from active-duty Air Force in 1967 he began a job with United Airlines in San Francisco becoming a Captain again and flying commercially until he retired in 1998.  He made the small town of Sonoma his home and lived in the same house for almost 48 years; always busy farming, making wine, and growing grapes.  After retirement he bought a small airplane and spent several hours giving his time to the local chapter of Young Eagles—providing “first flights” to over 50 kids.  There was nothing he loved more than taking friends and family up for a ride in his airplane.  Leon also gave generously of his time as the secretary and treasurer of RUPA (Retired United Pilots Association) for 10 years.  He had countless friends around the globe and loved meeting new people. He was smart, sarcastic, humble, and hardworking. He loved to laugh and never met a joke he didn’t like. Honolulu, Hawaii held a special place in Leon’s heart and was truly his home away from home. In November he made his last trip and spent 10 days enjoying the island sunshine.

Leon is preceded in death by his wife Vicky June Scarbrough. He is survived by his children: Jennifer Leigh Forsyth (Devan), Gregory Bradford Scarbrough (Anna), Erinn Leigh Candelario (Chris) and two step-sons William Beau Scarbrough and Daniel Cash. He is also survived by his brother Lee Scarbrough, his sister Dona Hall, two nieces and one nephew.  “Papa Leon” also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren:  Hayley Forsyth, Julia Forsyth, Jackson Forsyth, Chloe Candelario, Charlotte Candelario, Ethan Espinoza, and James Scarbrough.  Per his request there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice By The Bay or EAA Young Eagles Chapter 1268. And always remember, as Leon used to say, "The situation is hopeless but not serious."

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