Ralph A. Leigon

Ralph Arthur Leigon, "Legend of 357", "Silver-Tongued Orator," and the IBEW International Secretary Emeritus, passed away quietly June 15, 2012 in Las Vegas at 93 with family at his side. The fourth sibling of Grover G. Leigon and Sallie Rachel Cousins-Leigon, Ralph was born Sept. 7, 1918 in Vaughn, N.M., and grew up in Tucumcari, N.M. Ralph moved his family to Las Vegas in 1943. Ralph was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran. The Las Vegas Mayor and City Council proclaimed "Ralph Leigon Day" May 22, 1976. The U.S. Treasury Dept. awarded Ralph with a "Patriotic Service Award" September 1982. The Governor proclaimed "Ralph Leigon Day" April 11, 1986. He was the IBEW 357 Business Manager from 1950-1969. He served on the IBEW International Executive Council from 1960-1976, and as the IBEW International Secretary from 1975-1985. He was a charter member of the Southern Nevada Central Labor Council AFL-CIO (1959), the Southern Nevada Building, Construction Trades Council, Las Vegas "Men's Golf Association" 1952-1974, and the "City Golf Board". He played in the Sahara Invitational Pro-Am from 1958-1972, partnered with Jerry McGee, Bill Bayer, Al Geiberger, Doug Sanders, Chi Chi Rodrigues and Raymond Floyd. He was a Nevada State Seniors Golf Club board member, a charter member of Griffith United Methodist Church, Heritage United Methodist Church, Las Vegas Masonic Lodge No. 32, and the Zelda Shrine. Wife, Evelyn Leigon, preceded Ralph in death. He is survived by wife, Georgia Backus-Leigon; daughter, Marcia Leigon-Leider (Richard); son, Richard Leigon (Laurrana); grandsons, Greg Pletzke and Shean Leigon; granddaughters, Gina Cowan and Nicolette Maroulis; great-granddaughters, Ella Cowan and Sofia Leigon; and brother, Barney. Viewing will be 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 19. Services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, both at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N. In lieu of flowers, donations to Nathan Adelson Hospice.

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