Memorial Trees
A
Anonymous
January 11, 2025
S
Solange Akala
January 10, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Leonard Malanche
<p>Leonard Malanche, 61, passed away on October 10, 2024, at Highland hospital</p><p>surrounded by loved ones and family. Leonard was born in Berkeley, CA, on July 22, 1963, and</p><p>was the sixth of seven children in the Malanche family. He grew up in Berkeley with his parents</p><p>and siblings. In 1980 at the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort</p><p>Ord in Monterey, CA.</p><p><br></p><p>Once he left the Army in the late 80s, Leonard met his first wife Cheryl while attending a</p><p>local bingo hall with his mother, and the two quickly fell in love. They married in 1989, and in</p><p>1990 they welcomed their son Andre Malanche. Cheryl Malanche passed away in 1992, leaving</p><p>Leonard to raise Andre as a single parent.</p><p><br></p><p>As a dedicated father, Leonard returned to school to pursue his passion for cars and</p><p>mechanics. He worked part-time while studying, with his mother helping care for Andre. In</p><p>1997, Leonard began working as a parts technician at McKevitt of Berkeley, where he remained</p><p>until 2011. It was there that he met Rachel Freeburg, his current partner. In 2000, they welcomed</p><p>their daughter Kerrith Malanche into the world.</p><p><br></p><p>In 2012, Leonard began working at The Independent Institute as the warehouse manager,</p><p>where he worked until 2021. That same year, Leonard and Andre moved to live with Rachel in</p><p>El Cerrito, as well as their beloved dog, Jacob, until his passing in 2024.</p><p>Leonard was a kind and caring man, known for his generosity and willingness to help</p><p>others. He was always ready to lend a listening ear and offer advice when needed. His charm and</p><p>thoughtfulness made everyone he met feel seen and heard. He touched the lives of many, and his</p><p>absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.</p><p><br></p><p>Leonard is survived by his sisters Flaget Magallon and Marga Malanche, brother Jesse</p><p>Malanche, partner Rachel Freeburg, and his two children Andre Malanche and Kerrith Malanche.</p><p>We miss him greatly here on Earth but take comfort in knowing that he is watching over us from</p><p>heaven and smiling down on those he loved.</p><p><br></p><p>A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Sunset View</p><p>Cemetery Association/Mortuary in El Cerrito, with a small reception with refreshments to</p><p>follow. The address is 101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. All are welcome to attend and</p><p>help us in honoring Leonard's life.</p>July 22, 1963 - October 10, 202407/22/196310/10/2024
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