Leigh Wilcox

April 25, 1935 to August 27, 2024

Born in Deadwood, S.D., to Dr. Richard and Barbara Wilcox, the family moved to Pendleton, Ore., where he spent the formative years of his life. After moving to West Slope, he attended Raleigh (Hills) Elementary, Beaverton HS, and Lewis & Clark College, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Leigh received his Master of Education degree from the University of Oregon and his doctorate studies were at NOVA University. He was a respected elementary school teacher, principal, & Director of Public Instruction with Portland Public Schools for 35 years, retiring in 1993. During that time he was active in the Portland Elementary & Middle School Principals’ Associations, the National Middle School Association, Portland Association of Public School Administrators, Confederation of School Administrators, Association for Curriculum Development and was on the Board of Directors for the Classroom Law Project.

Leigh and his wife Sharon met at Lewis & Clark College and married in 1960. They had two sons, Mark and Scott. From the day his sons were born, Leigh was an extremely proud father and treasured his hours with them camping, fishing, hunting and being an integral part of their lives, friendships and activities. He was dedicated to teaching them the life skills they would need as adults.

Golfing, fishing, hunting, snow and water skiing, restoring his 1950 Chevrolet and touring with his 1956 Chevy were among his favorite activities. Leigh’s personal philosophy drew him to volunteerism, and he was on the Board of Commissioners for the West Slope Water District as well as on Washington County’s Rebuilding Together, CPO3 (Community Participation organization) and CCI (Committee for Community Involvement) programs. He also actively participated in the local and national Vintage Chevrolet Clubs of America, and the Portland Swap Meet. He held leadership positions on both the Summerfield Civic Association & townhouse boards for several years. His idea of “cutting back” was changing focus, so he resumed an interest in ham radio, which led him to become a member of the ARRL (American Radio Relay League for Amateur Radio operators) and CERT (Community Emergency Response) organizations.

Leigh peacefully passed in hospice care surrounded by family. His daughter-in-law, Heidi, became his compassionate caregiver so his wife could stay by his side providing needed words and touch.

Leigh is proudly survived by his wife Sharon; sister Lynn Coulibaly; sons Mark (Heidi) and Scott; much loved grandchildren Hayden, Emily, Cooper (Kaitlyn) and Riley; and beloved nieces and nephews.