Leonard Lewis Matchinski

Leonard Lewis Matchinski, of Kalamazoo, passed away on June 3, 2021, at the age of 89. He was born on December 8, 1931, in Corinne, Michigan, the son of Reinhart and Alma (Lintz) Matchinski. He leaves his sister, Arlene Wages of St. Augustine, FL; three children: Kathie Dunlap and her spouse Daniel of Haubstadt, IN, Linda and her spouse William of Des Moines, WA, and Corlin Gabriel and his spouse Benjamynn of Occidental, CA. Leonard is also survived by four grandchildren: Ethan Matchinski and spouse Natalie of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, Daniel Dunlap and his spouse Rika of Dededo, Guam, Kimberly Rohrer and her spouse Matthew of Newburgh, IN, and Zackery Gabriel of Occidental, CA; three great grandchildren, brothers Gavin and Noah Rohrer and Kai Dunlap; and many nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Rose (Archambeau); sons Donald James and Anthony Gerald; and siblings Charles (Ruth), Lawrence (Susan), and Carol (Gus) Gustafson. Leonard had a heart of gold and the gift of giving. He was born in his father's logging camp, and grew up in Manistique, MI working on his family’s Dairy Farm. He met the love of his life, Patrica Archambeau, and they married soon after in 1953. They settled in Kalamazoo in 1957, where Leonard worked at the Michigan Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator, until his retirement in 1983. Leonard was alway tinkering on a project, or crafting giant wooden woodpeckers, puzzles, and frying pan magnets, which he loved gifting to children and others he would meet. He volunteered for years at the Kellogg Forest Sugar Shack, tapping maple trees and manning the fire. He was always ready for a game of cribbage, a 500-card game, or a meal out with friends. Leonard's kind and generous heart will be missed by many. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 11a.m. - 2p.m. at 7616 West Main, in Kalamazoo. Please bring food to share; in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kellogg Biological Station (www.givingto.msu.edu Gift code: A51832). While visiting Leonard's tribute page please take a moment to light a candle or share a memory with the family. The Matchinski family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.