Penfield NY: February 28, 2021, Leon Haswell died peacefully in his sleep at age 83. Leon is predeceased by his wife Sandra (Portz) of WV, brother Donald Haswell of CO, daughters, Karol Anne Everhart and Robin Haswell of IN, a special niece, Denise Coty Tolusso of VA. He is survived by his caregiver sister, Laura Vincent-Boyd, brother-in-law and best friend Herbert “T” Boyd, whom he lovingly called “Bro” and shared the love of golf with, his sister, Sandra Phillips, his sister, Torry Spagnola, a close niece, Diana Coty Singer and nephew, Jason (Neely) Coty, whom he lovingly addressed as “Turkeys”. Lee has several grandchildren in Indiana.
Leon graduated from Fabius Central HS, Fabius, NY, where he participated in Basketball and the Tumbling Team. He was active in 4-H, raising his own steer and started working on a local farm at age 9. As a teenager, Lee worked for the Clyde Beatty Cole Circus. He soon began a wide range of careers that took him all over the US. Lee found his niche in advertising sales, providing publications for the Carpenters’ Union, Chiefs of Police in Charleston WV, the Charleston Chiefs Basketball Team and even the Shriners.
Leon became a 32nd Degree Shriner and was passionate about supporting the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital. He also owned his own publication, the “Dayton/Miami Valley AFL/CIO Labor News Monthly”. Lee trained chocolate labs with his deceased wife. He was also extremely proud to have his pilot’s license and have flown solo in five different planes.
Lee was an avid reader and an enthusiastic Bills and Yankees fan. He had a “larger-than-life” personality with a very generous heart and nature. He was always the “Big Brother” who hid Easter baskets in the old red barn and surprised Mama with a special first waffle iron from his young hard-earned farm pay. Lee, as our family loving called him, taught us about horses, dogs, birds and making a tree fort on our 44-acre farm homestead.
Blessings of gratitude to Dr. Wadsworth for many years of the VERY BEST MEDICAL CARE ; along with his staff showing Leon true friendship, caring and good humor! Your loving care truly extended his life to enjoy his older years whom he always referred to as “Dr. Goodhands”.
A special thank you to the entire crew at Heathwood Assisted Living, where Lee had superb care and met many friends. God bless you all!
A small private service will be announced at a later date, to be held near his childhood home in Fabius NY.
I’m sorry to hear of our brother, Lee’s passing. It’s very sad that he is no longer with us on the earth. I realize this is very painful for all who knew him and even more so for all those who loved him. Growing up where we did gave him very interesting opportunities to express his caring nature. Please know that I do care and hope we can get through these difficult times together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Torry
Laura, You did a wonderful job on Lee’s obit – you captured him to a tee! I was honored to be his friend for the year or more that I knew him. He loved to laugh about my naughty cat, and offered training advice! None of which worked!!! Thank you for letting me know that he passed, and also about his obit. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Laura and Tee,
Throughout my “walkthrough life” I’ve met certain people that stay in my heart. Leon is one of these people. His character was exceptional! I will never forget him! He will live on forever in my fond memories! And he was always “fine, finer than a frogs hair split 3 ways!”
Suzy
So sorry to hear. Had some great conversations with Leon.
I’m sorry that you and I never got to meet grandpa. I appreciate you being there when my mom passed and I wish things could’ve been different. May you rest in peace, love your daughters daughter.