Leonard Chitty

Leonard Chitty, the man, the myth, the legend, born July 11, 1935 to Dorothy Chitty, who bravely raised this lovable rogue as a single mother in the East End of London. He led a colorful life, full of laughter, smiles and cursing. A snappy dresser, could dance a jig like no other, a singer of limerick lined tunes, an underappreciated chef and a curator of fascinating collections which he proudly displayed. A masterful story teller, who entertained friends and family alike with a keen memory of unsubstantiated details and questionable facts. A man loved by anyone that met him and who will never be forgotten. If Len were to tell it, he passed away on August 11, 2017 from what the government will try to tell you was a heart attack, but truly was from the lingering effects of a 1983 alien abduction. We heard many stories that began, "During the war..." which was a source of pride for Len, where in the service of his country in England, served in the British Army during the Suez Canal Campaign in Egypt, also known as the Forgotten War. He also served in the same artillery battery as his great-grandfather in the 49th Field Battery of the Royal Artillery.
The Chittys had many adventures, a particularly close family, living in Reading, England; Whangaparaoa, New Zealand; Peterborough, England; Salt Lake City, Utah in America and Bourn, England before settling back in America to be around their beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Len married the love of his life, Joan Edith Walker, on December 21, 1957 in London, England. Together they raised four children, Debbie Jackson (Jay), Ian Chitty (Helen), Dee Jackman (Larry) and Len Chitty, Jr. (ReNae). His Mum, Dorothy, one infant son, Matthew Stewart and his great-grandson, Desmond preceded him in death. Len and Joan also had a very special, honorary son, Kevin Cronkwright, who has been a part of our family for over 30 years. Besides being our Dad, he was Poppa to 33 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he would want recognized individually and distinctly. Grandchildren; Jason Jackman, Jameson Jackson (Katie), Kaylee Bennett (Thane), Alycia Powell (Steven), Nicole Chitty (Adamm), Dallen Chitty (Anna), Albert Chitty (Alyssa), Parker Jackson (Beth), Devin Jackman, Paige Araiza (Miguel), Kelsey Chavez (Nick), Wesley Jackson, Colin Chitty (Chloe), Preston Chitty (Erin), Kimberly Campbell (Dustin) and Brenon Jackman. Great grandchildren; Packer Jackson, Kipling Jackson, Leo Powell, Eleanor Powell, Cloie Crystal, McKell Jackson, Jayse Jackson, Cohen Jackman, Sawyer Bennett, Isabelle Bennett, Addyson Bennett, Kamdyn Bennett, Anniston Chavez, Riley Winkelaar, Emma Chitty, Ellie Chitty and Desi Chitty. Poppa loved to wind up the children, create massive chaos and then say, "Cheerio!" His children and grandchildren adored him, each one using naughty words before they were two, were entertained by sock puppet shows with socks taken straight from his foot or letting them sneak sweets he shouldn't have from his secret hiding places.
Len was a proud citizen of both Britain and America, but truly English through and through. To our Del Boy, we promise to paint your monument with luminescent paint and now we can legitimately quote you by saying, "You know, Dad said on his deathbed, mark my words, your time will come!" As your time has come, we hope you, "...mind how you go." Not only did Old Spice lose a loyal customer, the mint gravy factory lower their flag to half-staff and Cadbury stock take a serious dive, we will always have a Poppa sized hole in our hearts. Start your Jolly Boy's outing, enjoy your joyous reunion with Nan, Grandad and Nan, Jack and Alice, our son, brother and Uncle Matthew, our Desi boy and all your cousins and aunties and uncles who are standing at the pearly gates waiting for you with a boisterous greeting! We are the sad ones that mourn your loss and anxiously anticipate our own reunion with you. Until we meet again, we will find comfort in the beautiful legacy you created in the supportive and crazy family you influenced before you left.
A graveside celebration will be held at the Herriman Cemetery, 12465 S Pioneer Street, 6000 W, Herriman, UT on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Per Len's request, wear bright colors, no bloody black! Only laughter and a few tears, but speak up when you talk, he's a little hard of hearing.