Leon Harry Sarrazin

Leon Harry Sarrazin, 93, of the Shields Valley, Livingston, Montana passed away on Friday, April 27th, 2018 surrounded by his family. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 7, 11:00 A.M. at the St. Marys Catholic Church, 39 View Vista Dr., Livingston. Father Leo McDowell with be the Celebrant of the Mass. A luncheon will follow the service at the St. Marys Schools gymnasium.Leon was born on the 17th of December, 1924 on the family homestead to Laurent and Josephine (Faure) Sarrazin. He attended Grannis School, then Cowan for a year and then Clyde Park, graduating in 1943.Following school, Leon went to work for various neighboring ranches, did a short stint with the railroad and helped out on the homestead. While at a dance at the Chadbourne Hall Leon met the girl God made for him; and on November 9th, 1946 Leon was united in marriage to his forever partner in life and ranching, Jean Pascoe. They were blessed with four children, Cecelia, Thomas, Kenneth and James "Joe".In 1949 Leon and his brother, Emile bought the McNiven Ranch on Tobin Creek. This started his family business which was added to with the acquisition of neighboring properties over the years. Leon worked that land all of his life to provide for his family; furthermore, he was grateful for his family, frequently saying: "My wife and kids were more help to me in putting together what we have today than anyone can imagine."Leon was an active member of the community. He served for many years on the Clyde Park School Board, as well as the Cowan School Board. He was a member of the Park County Stock Growers, the Park County Marketing Association, which he served on the board of, was a member of the Park County Pioneers, was Grand Marshall of the Old Settlers Parade in 2009 and a faithful member of St. Margarets Catholic Church in Clyde Park.Leon always demonstrated a strong work ethic and stern integrity that has been carried down and passed to his children and grandchildren.Leon is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jean. His children and their families: daughter, Cecelia Altomare of Columbiana, OH and her children: Monica (Bruce) Stryffeler, Elizabeth (Mark) Scheller, Arin (Teresa) Altomare and Paul (Chrissy) Altomare; son, Tom Sarrazin and his wife, Terry of the Shields Valley and their children: Jeff (Denise) Sarrazin, Jodi Sarrazin, and Justin (Heather) Sarrazin; son, Ken Sarrazin and his wife, Pamala of Bozeman and their children: Kristen Sarrazin, and Cody Sarrazin; son, Joe Sarrazin and his wife, Andrea of the Shields Valley and their children, Amanda (Garrett) Hamm and Tyler (Jessie) Sarrazin. Great-grandchildren, Arielle and Owen Stryffeler; Jacob, Jordan, Jayden, Scheller; Paige Altomare; Josie. Wyatt and Megan Sarrazin; Dylan Sarrazin; Rodie, Graesin, and Anna Hamm; and Everly Joe Sarrazin. Brother, Jimmy Sarrazin and his wife Joyce of Clyde Park. Sister -in-laws, Alice Sarrazin of Belgrade and Kate Pascoe of Washington. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends also survive Leon.Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Laurent and Josephine; Cecelias husband and son-in-law, Anthony Altomare; siblings, Marie (Warren) Palmer, Emile (Dorothy), August (Margaret), George (Betty), and Paul, brother-in-law, Jack Pascoe, and sister-in-law, Ruth Kopcha.Memorials may be sent to: St. Margarets Catholic Church, 39 View Vista Dr, Livingston, MT 59047; or to Shields Valley Schools, PO Box 40, Clyde Park, MT 59018.