LELAND, David L., age 71

Died: Saturday, June 7th, 2014

Memorial Gathering: Sunday, August 10, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home

Interment: St. Patrick's Cemeterty, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Donations in his honor may be made to Regis High School in Eau Claire

David Lloyd Leland, age 71, formerly of Eau Claire passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at his home in Santa Monica, California after a year-long illness.

David was the son of Donald and Delores Leland of Eau Claire, where he was born and grew up with his three brothers. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School, Regis High School and received his degree from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire.  He studied math and psychology as his majors with a minor in physics. David continued his interest in those subjects all his life.

In 1966, David began his career in the computer world at Banker's Life and Casualty Insurance Company in the Chicago area.  In 1969 he became the Director of Information Technology for National Lewis University and, during this period, received an MBA Degree from DePaul University in Chicago.

David joined the Army Reserves in 1969 for two years. He spent a few months in basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri where he served as a sergeant in the 336th Transport Group as cook-the beginning of his life-long interest in cooking and love of experimentation in that field.

In 1978 he began a long employment with General Electric Information Services as a programmer and, eventually, as Manager of System development for the Midwest Region.

David was married in 1990 in Chicago to Ann Salmon Leland, a fellow employee of GE Information Services. They resided in the city and enjoyed the attractions of the metropolitan area as well as many widespread travels.

In 1997, David and his wife moved to Santa Monica, California where David transferred to GE Global Exchange Services as a consultant. When that office moved to San Francisco, David took a job at MGM Studios as a Systems Analyst and, later, in the same capacity, with NBC Universal Media Works.  He retired in 2009.

David spent his retirement years pursuing his interest in the sciences with studies at Santa Monica Community College where he thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of math, astronomy, economics and other subjects of interest to him. He diligently wrote papers and was a stellar grey haired student among the youngsters.

David is survived by his wife, Ann, two brothers, Richard and Patrick and their families and the family of his deceased brother, Robert, and two stepdaughters from a previous marriage.

David suffered through his last illness with dignity and fortitude. He was a good man who had a good life and will be sorely missed by all those amongst whom he lived.