José Luis Leiva

August 19, 1938 - February 1, 2023

José Luis Leiva, 84, slipped away peacefully February 1 in San Francisco. Born in Guatemala, he was the son of Felix and Bertha Leiva. He received his teaching credential and engaged in local theater and radio theater in Guatemala City. His interest in anthropology and Maya history led to two years as a technician/ art assistant at the Maya ruins of Tikal.

Luis came to San Francisco in his early twenties, earning a scholarship to study Theater Arts and Anthropology at the University of San Francisco. He gained lifelong friends and experience in theater performance and design within the USF College Players, graduating in 1971, by which time he had married Catherine (Kate) Stadler. He completed a Master of Fine Arts in design for the theater at Stanford University in 1975. He and Kate welcomed daughter Maya in 1980.

Luis taught theater design and history at USF and CCSF for 35 years. His play, “Chicle,” was produced at USF and CCSF, and he directed several plays at CCSF. In retirement, he designed for plays in small local venues.

Luis drew/painted constantly and effortlessly, turning many of his whimsical paintings into greeting cards. In 1975 he led several extensive tours of Maya sites in Central America. With Kate he hosted annual crafts events in their home for 25 years, as well as welcome gatherings for Fulbright international students. In retirement he continued to paint and enjoyed making fanciful fishing lures. Among his happiest times was a recent fishing trip with Maya on San Francisco Bay.

Along with Kate and Maya, Luis’s sister Grace Leiva and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins will hold him in their memories. His was a life well lived, loved, and laughed. At Luis’s request, no memorial service will be held; a celebration of his life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Global Pediatric Alliance or RAICES.