Funeral honors prep player

By Jeff Seidel

Detroit Free Press

HOLLAND, Mich.

There might have been more laughs than tears at the funeral of Wes Leonard, a 16-year-old basketball star from Fennville.

And that seems fitting. Because Wes was a fun-loving kid who made everybody smile and laugh.

Leonard, 16, died Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart. He collapsed after making the winning basket to save a perfect season for the Fennville basketball team.

More than 1,500 attended the funeral Tuesday morning at Christ Memorial Church in Holland. Many wore black and orange, the school colors.

The service was organized like a game, with four quarters, a halftime video tribute and a final victory.

Before the service, a photo tribute showed a teenager living life to the fullest: with his parents, his brother, his friends and with his teammates.

Players from the Fennville basketball team entered the church walking side by side, the same way they entered DeVos Fieldhouse on Monday night before a Class C district game against Lawrence. The funeral started less than 15 hours after Fennville’s emotional victory over Lawrence in the first round of the state tournament at Hope College. It was Fennville’s first game without Wes.

The Rev. Gary Peterson, the pastor at Fennville United Methodist Church, told friends and family that Wes had recently been confirmed and was a strong Christian.

“Wes walked the talk,” Peterson said. “He was a man of action.”

Wes was remembered by relatives, friends and coaches who told stories that left the crowd roaring in laughter.

“Wes was larger than life,” said Jim Leonard, Wes’ uncle.

Peterson said Wes is in heaven. “When we leave here today, I know we won’t forget Wes,” Peterson said.