About ten years ago, Leonard wrote the following biography.
Leonard Garry Conkling was born to Charles Roscoe
Conkling and Blanche Adelaide Harrington Conkling on February 4, 1932 at Wilcox Memorial Hospital (maternity unit of Good Samaritan Hospital) in Portland, Oregon.

He graduated from Alameda Grade School, Grant High School and Oregon State University (then Oregon State College) with a BS degree in Science, Class of 1953. He received a commission in the US Air Force through ROTC at OSU upon receiving his degree. He entered pilot training and became an Air Force pilot after 14 months of training, and served two years with the 582nd Air Resupply Group at Molesworth, England.

While in grade school, Leonard became active in Boy Scout work and received the Eagle Scout award at age 14. Some of the happiest memories growing up came from the summers spent at Boy Scout camps, and he stayed active in scout work until finishing high school.

While at Oregon State College, Leonard joined Sigma Nu fraternity and served as president of the Delta Tau chapter during his senior year.

Leonard entered the family photography business after completing his tour of active duty in the military and became involved with photography 1956. He received the Master of Photography degree awarded by the Professional Photographers of America in 1963. He served as president of the Commercial Photographers of Oregon in 1962.

Leonard joined Rotary International and served 18 years with the Rotary Club of East Portland; he was president in 1986-87.

He married Joan Johnson on September 19, 1964. Joan passed away on April 12, 1986. Their daughters are Joyce Conkling and Paula Conkling Olson (Jarrett). Leonard married Barbara Ann Smith Kampstra on October 4, 1991. His step-children are JoLinn Kampstra and James L. Kampstra (Mickie). Leonard’s grandson is Nathaniel Olson, and his step-grandchildren are Jody, Kristin, Brian, Ashlie, Shennal, and Alex. His step-great-grandchildren are Nicholas, Chloe, and Kaysen.

Leonard accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior on February 22, 1964, and looks forward to an ever-increasing relationship with Him in eternity.

Contributions are suggested to Greater Gresham Baptist Church or Samaritan’s Purse