Palomar Mountain News

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing stories of beloved Palomar neighbors, Bill and Grace Leibold. William R. Leibold had the most interesting life, retiring as a Navy Commander. With his lovely wife, Grace, they built a home on the Mountain in the shape of a ship, and enjoyed for 20 years. Their cabin was sold to Ken and Michelle Easton, who have been ‘at the helm’ since 2003.

Bill and Grace were high school sweethearts. He was on a ship at Pearl Harbor during Dec. 7th attack. A year later he was on the most decorated submarine during that time, the USS Tang with 87 officers and men. She sank October 25, 1944.

Grace received that dreaded telegram that told her Bill’s ship was lost at sea and he was presumed dead. For 15 long months she refused to believe the news.

After the war was over, Bill was found in a Japanese Internment Camp. He was one of nine men who survived that fateful night, all night, in the water and then endured the treatment of imprisonment. Because they were submariners, they were looked down upon by the Japanese, so they were given only half rations. Bill came back to America weighing less than 100 pounds. Some of the wives understandably went on with their lives and remarried. But not Grace, she waited for Bill.

They went on to have two sons and a daughter. “He was a loving husband and wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.” Many happy Fathers Days were celebrated in the Leibold family.

One of their sons, Jim, contacted me a couple weeks ago asking if the sign his father made was still in front of their family cabin. Jim explained that he bought a ranch in Arizona and was hoping to acquire the sign to hang above their driveway. Ken was so impressed with Bill’s military history that they had left the Leibold sign in front of their home to honor Bill’s memory. However, when I connected with Ken and told him of Jim’s request, he didn’t hesitate passing the sign on to Bill’s son.

So, I picked it up today and had the nicest visit with Ken and his daughter, Rose who came up for a quick trip to send the sign on it’s way. A certain cowboy I know will be driving through Az in a few weeks and a meet-up is planned with Jim.

Like to learn more about Jim’s dad? Click on the link below that will lead you to the other stories and lots of fun photos.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend…

Bonnie