Lahoma Ann Leishman

Lahoma Leishman died peacefully at home with her daughter at her side as she lost a swift battle with pancreatic cancer. Lahoma was born in Vacaville, CA, February 10, 1938 to Gladys and Albert Wentz. Two brothers pre-deceased her; Albert and Lenard. She leaves behind four grandchildren, Gina, Bridget, Antoinette and Ryan as well as seven (7) great-grandchildren; Jordan, Chloe, Dustin, Rebecca, Sierra and Brendan.

Lahoma’s young life was one of struggle but her strong will and work ethic saw her through to support her daughter Deborah Matheson Raper as a single mother in Vermont. After divorcing, she eventually made her way from the east coast to the west.

Sometime in 1968 she was working as a cashier at Travis Air Force Base in California. There she spied Donald Leishman and knew she “found a good one.” Don was the love of her life, and an adventurous soul. They married in California in 1969. After leaving the Air Force, Don worked for Pan Am airlines in the San Jose area of California. He and Lahoma were lured to Alaska by his parents Velma and Wiliard Leishman, and probably more convincingly by his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Larry Chaplin.

Lahoma and Don both fell in love with Alaska and made it their home. In the early 1980’s they moved to the bush of Alaska to Cape Yakataga – midway between Yakutat and Cordova on the map. Lahoma loved the bush. Don taught her so many skills that she refined and honed over the years. Although the community was extremely small (the highest population during their time at the Cape was probably around 7 or 8 people) Lahoma was active all the time. She was postmistress, chicken wrangler (she sold eggs to friends in both Cordova and Yakutat) bed and breakfast proprietress and local weather reporter for bush pilots in the area.

Lahoma could recognize who was flying into the Cape by the sound of the engines. She would hop on her 4-wheeler to drive the short 2 miles (and ‘drive’ is an understatement – most recorded her speeds in excess of what was reasonable and safe!) down the road and across the bridge to the air strip. There she would chat up the pilot and any passengers aboard – if she knew you were coming, you were often gifted with food – especially her famous chocolate fudge cake! -- while she unloaded the mail and packages into her small trailer hitched to her 4-wheeler.

She would make both strawberry and salmonberry wine. Often at great risk of snarly competition by the local population of black and grizzly bears. On more than one occasion her faithful canine companions kept her safe (the berries too!) as they barked and nipped and drove off the hungry critters. Although not fond of the destructive nature of the local bears, she was friend to most all animals. Rescuing injured critters when necessary and nursing them back to health.

In 2008 she lost her beloved, Don, and she left the Cape. First to Anchorage for a short while, then eventually landing in Yuba City, California. Though large crowds made her nervous, and driving was out of the question (if she could have driven a 4-wheeler on the streets she probably would have!) she settled into a nice senior community and quickly made friends. Ever the social butterfly, she made her daily rounds to say hello, pull a few weeds for the neighbors and in general check on the well-being of those around her. There were times that people chaffed at these attentions, but this was a code of the bush of Alaska – always make sure your neighbors are doing well. You never knew when someone needed help. And in the bush of Alaska, that help was not the local police or fire department, it was your neighbor.

Lahoma will forever be known for her friendliness, her ability to talk you ear off with stories and her willingness to help you, no matter what. The family takes heart in that she passed on the day of her 51st wedding anniversary to the love of her life, Don Leishman. We know he was likely the one who came to fetch her from her earthly constraints of pain and suffering to settle into the wilderness of heaven once again with Don at her side.

For those of you that knew Lahoma, please spend a moment to write a message to the family. You can do so online through Trident Society , or write a letter to her daughter Debbie Raper at 1155 Pease Road, #261, Yuba City, CA 95991-8818. She would love to hear how you knew Lahoma and stories about her.