Born in Rosedale on the Gig Harbor peninsula in 1904, Leo McGavick graduated from St. Leo’s High School, Gonzaga University, and Gonzaga Law School, after which he began the practice of law in Tacoma. He emerged as a senior partner of the firm of Murray, Scott, McGavick, Gagliardi and Graves, one of the most notable law firms in the state. His eminence at the bar was also recognized by his Alma Mater when Gonzaga bestowed upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Law and the Gonzaga University Law Medal. After 62 years of practice, he retired from McGavick, Graves, Beale & McNerthney.

Leo won the confidence of the people to such an extent that he was elected to represent them in the State Legislature, where he stood firm for good government and clean politics. His greatest public service, however, came from his three terms as a member and sometimes chairman of the Tacoma Utilities Board, which manages the City Light and Water Departments. His was a labor of love and duty and he received no pay. He was a Board Member, Chairman and General Counsel for State Mutual Savings Bank of Tacoma for 22 years.

Leo was active in civic and fraternal affairs, serving as the first President of the Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce; charter member, past President and past Trustee of the Tacoma Athletic Commission; past President and past Trustee of the Tacoma Club; past Grand Knight of Columbus; past President of the Tacoma Eagles; past Trustee and honorary life member of the Elks Lodge; member and past President of the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association; member of the Washington State American Bar Association; member and past Trustee of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce; past Trustee of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club; past Trustee of the Washington Athletic Club.