Leopoldo Ramon Sanchez

Wasilla resident Leopoldo Ramon Sanchez Sr., “Big Leo,” 48, died Feb. 28, 2010, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

A memorial service will be held March 5 at 2 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla. Family and friends can meet at Tailgaters Bar and Grill on the Parks Highway after the services.

Leo was born April 30, 1961, in Glendale, Calif., to Leopoldo and Yolanda (Garcia) Sanchez. He moved to Alaska in 1993. Most of his life in Alaska was spent in Kenai as well as Anchorage and Wasilla. His passions were playing and coaching softball. He coached for Little League and city league. He loved listening to oldies music and watching sports with his sons. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was loved by many and will always be missed.

He is survived by his father, Leopoldo Sanchez; brothers, Louie Corona and Jimmy Sanchez; sisters, Sherry, Linda, Diana and Norma; his wife, Dawn Sanchez; his sons, Leopoldo Sanchez Jr., Buddha and Travis; his daughter, Cheyenne and his six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Yolanda Sanchez, and his sisters, Gloria and Grace Sanchez.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.