Leon Wayne Logan passed away on Sept. 1, 2026 at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna.

Leon suffered from diabetes and heart problems for some time although you wouldn’t know it as he never complained. He was hospitalized in the last few years more than he wanted, but it was necessary to prolong his life. His last few years were difficult. He spent the last few months of his life in the hospital hoping to get well and return home but sadly it never happened. 

He like most people left unfinished business that he would have liked to resolve but sometimes death interrupts our plans and we are unable to take care of all our intentions. Having known Leon all my life I am fortunate enough to have spent quite a bit of time before his departure as were many of his friends. Thanks to Redwood Memorial Hospital and their staff we were able to visit and congregate in his room for conversation, music and reminiscing about the good old days. While there was a lot of emotion. I don’t think Leon would have wanted it to be any different.

Born on April 4, 1951, Leon lived most of his life in the Eel River Valley and attended Toddy Thomas elementary school in Rohnerville, where his family home was located directly adjacent to the school. He graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1969, where he showed definite talent in football. 

Leon was born a bouncing baby boy to Father; Robert Lee Logan and Mother Bessie Marie Land (Logan). While his parents passed many years ago, he being the youngest of four children was the 1st to pass. He is survived by sisters; Carol Ann Rose (Logan), Karen Sue Logan and Charles Lee Logan. Leon loved his family and spoke of them often. 

His real sport, however, was boxing, which he studied under Conrad Will Sr., a contender and claimant for a 1930s middleweight championship. He learned the tricks and steps to go with his natural power. Punks seldom misbehaved in Leon’s bar lest they visit a dentist’s office afterwards.

As a young man Leon worked at Empire Lanes in Fortuna and learned everything there was to know about bowling, pool, bartending, bouncing and serving the public. Later in life he bought his own business — Mingo’s in Rio Dell, He was very successful until COVID shut him down. He took quite a loss from that. He ended up selling the business, buying a little piece of land in Mad River where he lived happily until his illness got the better of him.

As longtime owner and operator of Mingo’s bar in Rio Dell, Leon knew more people in the Eel River Valley than most five people do, and most considered him a friend. Multiple people name his as their best friend, a rare distinction.

Not only was Leon intelligent he was able to excel in whatever he desired to do, whether sports, work, relationships, music, composing, he excelled and went well beyond average. He had a way about him that made him approachable and easy to talk to. His heart was huge and he was generous to a fault. While he was, to say the least, a tough guy you wouldn’t know it because he never fought unless he was defending himself or someone else. A gentleman and a scholar he was.

A serious guitar player, he also excelled at songwriting, but again, his biggest talent was friendship. He helped more people than most five people do. He knew how to treat a friend with respect. Just ask any of them.

Leon was a great storyteller and had a memory like an elephant. He was always a pleasure to listen to and converse with. He loved playing music, listening to music, talking about music and composing music, Leon was never at a loss for words or for an ear to listen, which also made him a great bartender.

For those of us who knew and loved him, we miss him. We will not soon forget him. He was a very unique person that made the world a better place. There is so much that could be said about Leon.

We are having a memorial service and celebration of Leon’s life at Calvary Chapel – 914, 9th street in Fortuna — on December 5 at 2 p.m. 

All friends and family are encouraged to attend. Please come and share your memories and experiences with Leon. He would be pleased.

Now we send him off. May Great Nature collect him into the afterlife.

God bless you, Leon — see you on the other side.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Leon Logan’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.