Leopoldo O. Medina
Leo was the third child of eight children, born December 1, 1937 to Irineo Medina and Consuelo Ocampo Medina. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Teacher’s Diploma in Music Composition and Conducting. He is also a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Masters Degree in Music Education.
His first visit to the U.S. was in 1961 when he performed as a musician for the Filipinescas Dance Company during the group’s seven-month tour of Europe and the U.S. It was while he was on tour that he knew he wanted to return to the U.S. someday. He also taught a band at the Torres High School in Manila for five years and as choirmaster at St. Andrews Theological Seminary in Quezon City for two years.
During his early years in the U.S., he accepted the challenge of cold weather and, with a teaching contract, he taught nice rural kids with the Minnesota Public Schools for seven years. He acquired his U.S. citizenship while residing and teaching in Heron Lake, Minnesota.
In 1974, his wife Flordelis Peleo Medina, a medical doctor and a graduate of the University of Santo Thomas College of Medicine in Manila, Philippines, quit her job at the community hospital in Heron Lake, Minnesota to accept a position in Warm Springs State Hospital in Warm Springs, Montana. They moved out west not realizing Leo would be retiring in the neighboring city of Butte, Montana. Then they moved to Butte permanently.
Since 1975, he had worked for Butte School district as a music teacher. In 1980, he became music director of the Butte Symphony for fifteen years.
He was a member of the Montana and American String Teachers Association. Several of his compositions such as “Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in Three Movements” and “Philippines Revisited” were performed by the Butte Symphony. His “Variations for Two Pianos” was commissioned by the Montana Music Teachers Association in 1986.
In 1995, Leo had retired from Butte High School as well as the Butte Symphony’s music director. Leo and Flor moved to Helena, Montana to be closer to their oldest daughter, Cristina, husband Ed Caplis and future grandchildren, Tara and Ben. Their youngest daughter, Monica, was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at that time.
They also spent many months visiting the Philippines. His parents left him some land that was meant for all their siblings. Realizing that his brothers and sisters, who were all living in the states and Canada, were not so bent anymore on returning soon to manage the family property. He took it upon himself to become custodian of their land with the help of sisters Carmencita and Adela.
In Helena, Leo became involved with the Music Ministry of Covenant United Methodist Church for more than ten years. In December of 2003, as campaign chairman, Leo thanked the church and especially Wally and Fran Waddell for donating a set of three octave handbells to the Taytay, Rizal United Methodist Church in the Philippines. As a result of the donation, Leo and Fran decided to organize a church bell choir which came to be known as the “Bells of the Covenant” in Helena.
Since 1982, Leo was a member of the Butte Mile Hi Lions Club and then, Helena Lions Club. In 2012, he was a recipient if the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation during the annual district 37 convention (Montana and Canada) in “recognition of distinguished achievements in fulfilling the mission of Lions Clubs International”. In 2017, the Helena Lions Club awarded Leo the “Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services to Lions Clubs International Foundation.”
Leo is survived by his loving wife, Flor, two daughters, Cristina and Monica and their spouses (Ed Caplis and Steve McCurdy), three grandchildren, Tara and Ben Caplis and Maggie McCurdy, two brothers, Rene and Noli, two sisters, Mencie Estacio and Lucy del Rosario. Leo will be sadly missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends in the Philippines and abroad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irineo and Consuelo, two sisters, Betty and Deling, and brother Banny.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Butte Symphony Association, PO Box 725, Butte, MT 59703, Covenant United Methodist Church, 2330 E. Broadway St. Helena, MT 59601 and Helena Lions Club Foundation PO Box 1077 Helena, MT 59624-1077.
A Celebration of Leo’s Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow the service in the Social Hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 31, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday July 31, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 31, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday July 31, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tom Naegele says
Prayer of condolences to Flor and Family. I met Lion Leo and Flora at the Butte Mile High Lions meeting. Lion Leo was a wonderful man and humanitarian. God Bless You All 🙏❤️👍
Noreen Raynor says
I was so sorry to hear about Leo’s death. I wish I could come and give you a hug, Flor. I miss you and think of you often.
Take care and God Bless
Lennie Rodriguez says
My thoughts, prayers, love and support are with the Medina Family, as well as everyone who was fortunate to know this incredible man. Tio Poldie, your legacy remains in my heart, and will be passed on from generation to generation. You have truly made this world a better place, and pray for your everlasting life in heaven. We love you. Until we meet again. Sincere love from The Rodriguez Family (Arnold, Lennie, Naomi, Caleb, Timmy and Toby).
Alyssa Joy Medina Tumbokon says
Music is not only what Tio Poldie loved to do, but how he shared his love. Your brother, Ireneo, your neice, Alyssa Joy and nephew, Alan Jay along with their families will love and miss you always. Rest In Peace as you join our wife/mother, Heidi, in heaven. When the music plays, that’s the sound of heartfelt prayers singing the Lord’s praises. We are always here for you Tia Flor, Ate Cristina, Ate Monica and families especially more so during these trying times. Family is forever.
Ellen Leyva Zuniga says
On behalf of the Leyva family… Our deepest sympathy to the Medina family. My father and mother had a deep bonding with Tio Poldie on their retirement years since He and Tia Flor lived with them. When Mama (Kan Deling) passed away Tio Poldie and Papa where like a couple in the Philippines, Tio Poldie comforted him in his loneliness and they have wonderful conversations of life. I will always remember him, me requesting to play the piano before our meals😍 His music, simplicity and gentleness will be miss by the family. He lived a good and full life and left a lasting legacy of his music. May your soul rest in peace.🙏🏽🙏🏽
Fran Waddell says
The Bell Choir (Bells of Covenant) send their prayers of condolence to you Flor, Christina & Monica & family. Leo got us started with the bells and was our Director for over 10 years. We will always remember him for his dedication & his time given to us with practicing for playing in church & Christmas Concerts. My sympathy to you Flor & God Bless.
Fran Waddell
LeeRoy DeJohn says
My deepest sympathy to the Medina family. I was so lucky/honored to have Leo as a teacher in Butte High school. Leo, was my music teacher for concert choir, i also was a member of Top 16, when he taught. We would have 8 boys, 8 girls, perform and dance around town. Leo, took us to the music festival and we came in 1st place.
Leo, was a dedicated teacher, a man of professionalism, dedicated person.
M thoughts and prays to the family.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND WATCH OVER YOU.
Sister Maureen Hall says
Dear Flo, Christina and Monica.
I pray with you as you mourn, and remember Your husband and father. He was am amazing musician, and shared it with so many.
You all blessed us at Holy Spirit Parish. Such good memories.
Blessings these difficult days.
Sister Maureen Hall
Jill Caldwell says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we will keep your family in our prayers. May the peace of Christ comfort you all.
Georgia (Cragwick) Heaphy says
I am sending my most sincere condolences to Leo’s family at this sad time. I knew Leo and Flor for many years through the Butte music program and Mile High Lions Club. As a fellow music teacher, Leo and I shared work space, collaborated on programs, and I taught Christina and Monica in my elementary music classes. Leo was a fine musician, conductor, composer and teacher and a very kind man. I have warm memories of him and also of Flor and his daughters. R.I.P. Leo.
Lowell Stuck says
The Butte Symphony sends our warm thoughts and condolences to the Medina family. Leo made a strong and lasting contribution to the legacy of our organization and will always be part of the Butte Symphony family.
Georgene Cachola says
Dear Flor and Family,
Sal & I were very sad to hear of Leo’s passing.
We have so many good memories of time spent together making Filipino food items that we sold at the ethnic festivals in Butte over the years to benefit our Butte Philippines organization.
You blessed the Butte Community as well as many others with your musical talents & dedication.
Your old Butte friends, Sal & Georgene ( now of Memphis).
Dave Henrich says
My sincere condolences to Flor and all the family. Leo was a very talented musician, wonderful teacher, and a friend to all who knew him. His great example as a first class human being has touched the lives of many. May God bless his family with comfort at this difficult time.
Dick & Janice Dahlke says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Flor. We remember Leo with fondness. God bless you.
Wendie says
Ed, I am sorry for your loss you and your family are experiencing. I wish you all the best and hope you find comfort in your memories.
Wendie Fredrickson
Kathy Strelnik says
Cristina and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Kathy Waugh Strelnik
Vicki Woodrow says
My sympathies to you, Flor, and the girls for your loss. In have many fond memories of our Butte years and chats that interrupted your walks. Hoping you’re many happy memories cary you through this difficult time. Vicki Woodrow and the boys