Leon Jernstrom

On June 13, 2013, Heaven’s gates were opened wide and Leon Jernstrom, our friend, husband, father, son and so much more, sauntered in, after St. Peter’s nod. His twinkling eyes and his mischievous grin smile down to us all. He winks and says, “It is well … and so am I … and so will you be, too.”

Leon was a cohort to many. He loved hanging out with his BFF (aka wife, Cyndi), giving grief and giggles to his kids, being a chemo-companion or radiation rowdy to and with many — too many he would say — and certainly one for Kingdom Capers over the years he graced our community and the former places he lived. Leon had one core purpose ¬— to let whomever he was with know they were important and reminded us to not miss the joy and beauty of each moment.

Leon loved playing poker, playing with computers and his children, and being involved with the American Cancer Society, especially Relay For Life. His infamous saying on multi-colored bracelets “CANCER SUCKS!” helped him be the 2012 top fundraiser, money he knew would go for research (especially glioblastoma multiforme) and local cancer services so no one else would have to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’”

Leon leaves behind for a short while his loving wife, Cyndi; sons, Dae Jay Poteet and Robert Brown; daughters, Gracie Mae Jernstrom and Shelby Brown; and grandson, Rhiley Poteet.

He will always be in the hearts of his parents, Art and Sue Jernstrom; brother, Jim Jernstrom; sister, Kristina Howard and Grandmother Billie Innes. He also left behind a large family of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

Gifts in Leon’s memory and honor can be sent to: American Cancer Society (RFL Mat-Su/Care and Leon’s Fight For Life in memo line), 3851 Piper St. Suite U240 Anchorage, AK 98508.

A celebration of his life will be held later this summer at The Lion’s Club Aug. 10 in Big Lake.