Leonard Allen Pickens

Leonard Allen Pickens, 49, peacefully succumbed after a valiant five and a half year battle with a very rare form of cancer on Monday, August 8, 2011 at a Boise hospital.

Leonard was born in Pocatello, Idaho to Robert V. and Jean A. Pickens on April 20, 1962. He was raised and attended school in Pocatello, graduating from Highland High School in 1980 with honors. He worked at JB's while attending ISU where he majored in Political Science and Accounting, with a minor in Music. He received his Masters Degree from ISU and passed the CPA exam to become a Certified Public Accountant.

While working at JB's he met his very best friend, Danny McDougall, and his future wife, Conra J. Hunter. Leonard and Conra were married in 1994 and moved to Boise to pursue their careers. To this marriage were born 2 children, Breanne Jean and Drew Allen Pickens. The marriage later ended in divorce. Leonard and Conra remained good friends and great co-parents to their children, something that was very important to both of them.

Leonard began his career at Arthur Andersen as an auditor. He later went to work at Idaho Power (IdaCorp) as a Strategic Analyst. He enjoyed this job and excelled at what he did. Leonard started playing the piano while in the first grade. During the years of playing piano, he was taught by Elaine Worley and while at ISU, Professor Simmons. He earned many awards while participating in music festival and had the choice experience of playing with the ISU Symphony. His Mother told him once he became a concert pianist, she expected him to keep her in the manner to which she wanted to become accustomed to. He loved to reading and working crossword puzzles. Leonard loved to play and watch tennis, especially the different tournaments on TV. In his young years, his Grandmother taught him how to crochet. He excelled at that too! There was nothing he couldn't figure out how to crochet. Leonard was totally devoted to his children they came first-last-and always. They were his world and he loved playing Mr. Mom and totally devoted his time to Breanne and Drew.

In 2006 he was diagnosed with Myxoid Liposarcoma, a very rare type of cancer with few documented cases. Leonard participated in Clinical Studies in hopes of helping someone else. He was able to remain at home until the end because of the dedication and sacrifice of his Mom and family. His Mother went to Boise and cared for him during the final four months of his life and during the many treatments he endured the past five years. The family would like to express "special thanks" and "gratitude" to the Home Health nurses, Dr. Schulthesis, and all of his staff. To the entire Cancer Care staff, hospital staff, radiology and the many others who cared for and helped Leonard. Danny McDougall and the many "dear" friends from Idaho Power and all those who helped and cared through these difficult years.

Leonard is survived by his children, Breanne, 16 and Drew 14. His parents, Robert V. and Jean A. Pickens, sister Becky Pickens, and brother Robert G. and Sandra Pickens. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2676 S. Vista Ave. Boise, ID 83705.