John W. Leighton

John W. Leighton, age 91 of Richfield, died on December 20, 2013.  He was born in Minneapolis on June 24, 1922.  John graduated from DeLaSalle High School and attended the University of St. Thomas.  He was married to Pauline Ruth (Sanquist) for 65 years.  John was a District Manager at the Star Tribune before being promoted to Advertising Executive, where he worked until his retirement.  He served his country as a Navy Lieutenant in WWII, flying several missions in the Philippines.  A deeply spiritual man, John was active in St. Peter's Church for many years.  He was also involved in his community, volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels, was a member of the VFW, and contributed regularly to charitable organizations.  His passions included his family, playing golf, watching basketball, the Vikings, the Gophers, and the Twins, as well as playing softball and bowling.  John is survived by his wife, Pauline; four daughters, Barbara (Greg) Tillotson, of Manhattan Beach, CA, Sam (Harvey) Fleitman, of Richfield, Margaret Leighton of Montrose, and Kathleen (Kevin) Collison of Prairie Village, KS; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.