Jan. 23, 1937 — Aug. 10, 2025
Leo Joseph Champagne passed away in Ashland on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at the age of 88, from complications related to a long battle with a progressive illness. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Burrill), and his daughter, Linda Champagne. He was also the beloved “Uncle Leo” to three generations of nieces and nephews.
Leo was born in San Francisco on Jan. 23, 1937, to Leo Joseph Champagne, Sr., and Aileen Atkinson. After graduating from Balboa High School in 1953, he studied electrical engineering at UC Berkeley but did not complete his degree. He served in the armed forces and was stationed in Germany from 1960 to 1962. He married Nancy on Dec. 7, 1962.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Leo worked as an electrician, primarily for the San Francisco Department of Electricity, where he spent most of his career. He also taught electrical apprenticeship classes at City College of San Francisco for more than 10 years. He was a proud union member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 6.
Leo often described himself as a “believer of science and facts, not just someone’s imagination.” He was a gifted storyteller and history enthusiast who loved sharing memories of growing up in San Francisco during the 1940s and 1950s, post-Great Depression, and during World War II.
In his younger years, Leo was very active; he enjoyed skiing, hiking, and playing tennis. As a child in the 1940s, he especially loved going to Camp Mather near Yosemite with his family, and he helped carry on this tradition with the next generation well into the late 1980s.
Leo loved to socialize. He joined the Yerba Buena No.1 chapter of E Clampus Vitus in the 1980s and remained an active member for many years, even serving as Noble Grand Humbug. He was also an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers.
After retiring in 1999, Leo and Nancy moved to Ashland. He enjoyed taking guitar lessons and volunteering at ScienceWorks Museum and with the Ashland Food Project. He was also a member of the Lions Club.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ronald; his sister, Doris Parker; and his half-sister, Betty Griffith.
Leo Champagne will be sorely missed. His sense of humor, kindness, and curious nature will be remembered always.
Obituaries may be submitted to Ashland.news via our online article submission form, or via email to [email protected], with a photo or two attached if desired. Please be sure to include dates of birth and death, and reference to connections to Ashland/Talent/Southern Oregon. Please allow a few days for posting. There is no charge. Those wishing to make a donation supporting the Ashland.news service may do so here.
