Leon T. Bramwell, of San Diego, Calif., was called home to be with the Lord on April 4. He was 85 years old. He is survived by his three sons: Chad Bramwell and Chris Bramwell, both from San Diego, Calif.; and Clifford Bramwell, of Denver, Colo. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Betty Lou (Unger) Bramwell.
Leon was born on Jan. 17, 1933, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., to Carl and Emmadell (Armstrong) Bramwell. He moved to San Diego when he was 15 years old to live with his grandmother, Anna (Montroy) Kingsley, who was a great influence in his life. He later met the love of his life, Betty Lou, and the two were married in 1952. They eventually settled in San Diego, Calif., and in the 1970s built a home in the neighborhood of Eucalyptus Hills. The street they lived on was named Pagosa Lane in honor of Leon’s hometown.
He attended Grossmont High School and graduated in 1951. He went on to earn a bachelor of science degree from San Diego State College (now known as San Diego State University) in 1959, attending night classes while working full time during the day. He was a medical representative for Gerber Products for over 30 years, calling on doctors and hospitals selling baby products, before retiring in the early 1990s as one of their top salesmen.
Leon always held tight to his roots in Colorado. In 1972, he began construction on a log cabin in Pagosa Springs and he and his family vacationed there every summer until the late 1990s. He was also a descendant of the Montroy family and over the years remained close with his aunt and uncle, Leon and Margaret Montroy. They were notable role models in his life and helped inspire his family values. During their many visits to Pagosa Springs, Leon and Betty Lou would visit his cousins Jake Montroy, Judy (Schofield) Montroy, and Gary and Faye Bramwell. Over the last several years, Leon maintained strong friendships with his cousins, Carla Kinser and Ron Turner.
Leon had a passion for woodcarving and immersed himself in it after his wife passed away in 2003. Over his lifetime, he completed over 40 wood carvings and favored biblical figures, such as the Madonna and Child and the Virgin Mary.
Services were held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside, Calif., on April 14. Cards or condolences may be sent to: The Bramwell Family, P.O. Box 1490, Lakeside, CA 92040.
