John A. Leaf, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 28, 2005 due to complications from cancer. He was a former resident of Oceanside and Idyllwild.

John was born in Wisconsin in 1929 and enlisted in the Navy when he was 17. He was assigned to the Marine Corps as a Navy corpsman. His tours of duty included Korea, where he saw action in the Chosen Reservoir, and in Vietnam.

John’s career brought him to Oceanside where he raised his family.

After his military retirement, he worked in the food service industry. John was active in the American Legion, holding several offices including post commander at Idyllwild Post 800 and district commander at Riverside Post 79.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dodie; two sons, Clay and Leif Eric Leaf; two daughters, Kimberly Crone and Julieann Garcia; and nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties Hospice Program, 6235 River Crest Drive, Suite L, Riverside, CA 92507 or to the American Legion, 2979 Dexter Drive, Riverside, CA 92501-2049.

Memorial services will be held at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 at Riverside National Cemetery, Staging Area 2, followed by a remembrance reception at American Legion Post 79, 2979 Dexter Dr., Fairmount Park, Riverside.

Miller-Jones Moreno Valley Mortuary is handling arrangements.