Eli M. Oboler Library
H. Leigh Gittins - Biographical Sketch
MC107
H. Leigh Gittins (1907 - 1999)
Taken from the obituary in the Idaho State Journal 09/26/1999
H. Leigh Gittins was born in Pocatello, Idaho, April 30, 1907, the son of Anna and George Gittins.
He received his elementary education in Pocatello as well as two years of college at the Idaho Technical Institute. He participated in dramatics and was clarinet soloist with the Idaho Technical Institute Symphony Orchestra while still in high school. As a senior in high school, he won the American Chemical Society's state essay contest. For two years he attended the University of Idaho where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1929. He was active in the university symphony orchestra and pep band and was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity.
In 1930, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Cornell, also a University of Idaho graduate of 1929. He successfully engaged in the cattle and dairy business on Marsh Creek for 36 years and was president of both local and county organizations.
He served as elementary and junior high school principal at McCammon for 16 years. By returning to summer sessions at the University of Idaho, he received his Master's degree in education in 1962. He joined the national honorary society, Phi Delta Kappa, while there.
During all these years he served in many civic and educational capacities, including membership on the Bannock Memorial Hospital board, the University of Idaho alumni board, the Idaho Cattlemen's Association and the Bannock County Dairymen's Association. He was a member of the Mount Kinport Masonic Lodge No. 95, A.F. and A.M., Scottish Rite and served as president of the Bannock County Historical Society. Leigh was also a member of the Golden "K" and the Greenway Foundation.
Leigh has been a lifelong Christian and member of the Presbyterian Church. As a young boy, he volunteered as a custodian in the church. As an adult, he continued his commitment and devotion to the Presbyterian Church, and he remained active and involved almost to the end.
Leigh is survived by his wife, Virginia: daughters, Harriet Gittins Carbon, Spokane, Wash.; and Caroleigh Gittins Casebolt (Glenn), Walnut Creek, Calif.; their son, George (Peggy) Gittins, Eugene, Ore. Leigh and Virginia have eight grand children and 14 great-grandchildren. A nephew Dr. Wayne Rodeback is expected from Pebble Beach Calif., for the funeral.