Paul Leeds. Private services were held for Paul Leeds, 86, on Thursday, Jan. 25 in Scottsdale, AZ. Paul spent his retirement years in the Phoenix area after residing in Highland Park for over 40 years. He was a certified gemologist and professional musician. Mr. Leeds became acquainted with Highland Park after growing up in Chicago when he was assigned to Fort Sheridan as a military instructor during WWII. After the war, he was appointed Director of the Chicago Institute of Watchmaking and opened Leeds Jewelry Store in Highland Park. After some time he was appointed director of the educational division of the Veterans Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation for Illinois and Lake County, Indiana. Mr. Leeds was extremely active in his community, serving as president of the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, writing a weekly column for the Highland Park News, hosting a weekly radio show on WEEF, belonging to the Masonic Lodge, Shriners Organization, leading his own band and representing jewelers and gemologists in the Rotary Clubs of Illinois and Arizona. Mr. Leeds owned Leeds Jewelers until his retirement in 1980 when he and his late wife, Bernice, moved to Phoenix, where he continued his community activities with membership in the Elks, Rotary, Order of Moose, Masons and American Legion. He was awarded the Legion of Honor and Cross of Honor from the Masons and was given an honorary membership in the Jaycees. He is survived by his loving daughter, Toby (Dr. Lawrence) Hollander; devoted grandchildren, Scott (Rona) Borre, Brian Borre, Jennifer Hollander and Russell Hollander; brothers, Milton (Helen), Jack (Mae), the late Fred (Bertie) and the late Sol; fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Chicago.
