W. Leigh Brinkerhoff

W. Leigh Brinkerhoff passed away after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer that had been silently attacking vital parts of his body. He was 74 years old. He was born on March 29, 1948, to Wayne Larsen Brinkerhoff and Merle Fay Burman in Salina, Utah. He moved to Stevensville, Montana, when he was 2 years old, where he grew up on a ranch and loved to ride horses. He was the oldest of six children. After high school, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. He then went on to study at Ricks College, where he met Donna Jo Baumgartner. They were married on June 5, 1970, in the Idaho Falls Temple. He graduated from Utah State University and later received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin. During this time, Leigh and Donna had 3 amazingly, incredibly bright children (beautiful, as well). They moved to Wisconsin in 1978. Leigh worked for Universal Foods and CHR. Hansen Laboratories. In Wisconsin, they made lifelong friends and precious family memories. In 1996, they moved to Meridian, Idaho, where he was COO and president of Simplot. After 25 years in Meridian, they moved to Middleton, Idaho.

Leigh loved to golf with his golf buddies. He loved to garden and share the bounty. He loved to go camping with his grandkids. He also loved spending time outdoors. He rooted for the Utah State Aggies and attended as many basketball and football games as he could. He also loved doing family history and was in the process of writing his life’s story.

He was a faithful and diligent servant in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as elder quorum president, bishop, and stake president. His favorite time of service, however, was as the temple president of the Boise temple. He mentioned many times that it was his favorite because he was able to serve alongside his eternal companion, Donna, for 3 years. He will be remembered by many for his righteous influence in helping others come to Christ.

He is survived by his utterly adorable bride of 52 years, Donna Brinkerhoff, as well as his 3 children, Tonia and Rich Harshaw of Lindon, Utah; Steven and Tecia Brinkerhoff of Provo, Utah; and Camille and Jared Haacke of Conroe ,Texas. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren: Sam (Ashleigh), Kelsie (Alex), Ben, Jonah, Grace and Luke: Tyler (Samantha), Emily, Logan, and Cooper: and Kallianne, Abby, and Emma Jo; as well as one great-grandson James, and a soon to arrive great-granddaughter. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, Michael, David, Gloria, Priscilla, and Jack. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to thru the family that will be donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund. Venmo donations can be made to @Camille-Haacke (Leigh’s daughter).

Services are listed below, including a zoom link for the funeral service.