Clifford E. Leedy (1907-1993) was born in Santa Barbara, California, and moved to Bellingham, Washington, in 1932. Clifford, or “Doc,” as his students would come to know him, taught and directed band classes at Bellingham High School for 40-plus years, concluding his career in the mid-1970s. During that time “Doc” Leedy became well-known throughout the community both for his excellence in conducting, and his transformation of the Bellingham High School band into a show piece of the community. Under Leedy’s direction the Bellingham High School band expanded to include other ensembles representing different styles of music. “Doc” Leedy also led the Bellingham High School Marching Band to play at various festivals along the West Coast, including several trips to Disneyland and the 1957 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Dorothy E. Leedy (1912-1989) was born in Portland, Oregon, and moved to Whatcom County in 1941. In addition to teaching French, Dorothy Leedy was also head of the Bellingham High School People-to-People program from 1965 until well into the 1980s. During that time, Dorothy lead many groups of students to various places around the world, including visits to Russia in 1969 and India in 1971.
From the guide to the Leedy family papers, 1857-1993, (Western Washington University Heritage Resources)
