Leonard Beardsley

Leonard Dwight Beardsley was a reflection of commitment, Love and devotion to his family whom he Adored dearly. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by those he leaves behind as he remains a treasure in the hearts of many.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation's history. The Roaring 20s redefined the culture of America and the discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event in the lives of Carl and Margaret (Townsend) Beardsley that year included the birth of their son, Leonard Dwight Beardsley on February 11. Born in Traverse City, Michigan, Leonard was raised in Traverse City, then the nearby village of Buckley. The first child in his family, he later welcomed four siblings.

As a child, Leonard was quiet and reserved; one never quite knew what he was thinking. He got along well with everyone and enjoyed roller skating. As a child Leonard loved fishing with his grandfather on the Manistee River and always held fond memories of these times. He loved the area of his youth and experienced wonderful adventures in the place he called home, especially walking the long trails to his favorite spot on the Manistee River. This was a time and place that Leonard was able to be at peace with himself and others.

While roller skating one night Leonard met the girl who would come to hold the key to his heart. He and Elsie Peters weren't too fond of one another at first. Before they went on their first date, Leonard suggested to Elsie that if she intended on seeing anyone else, she should move on. In time they got to know and respect each other and a bond was formed. They dated for a year and on July 4, 1948 they sealed their love in marriage in nearby Traverse City. It was the beginning of 62 wonderful and fruitful years together.

Elsie was the most significant part of Leonard's life. In time his children also became important to him when he and Elsie began their family. They were eventually blessed with six children, celebrating the births of Elsie, Robin, Carl, Josa, Thomas and Geana.

Leonard and Elsie had a united front when it came to raising their children. In all they did, Leonard and Elsie always supported each other. He was a loving husband and father who dedicated himself to his wife and children. Being with his family was always a priority for Leonard. A quiet reserved man in general, Leonard truly enjoyed good conversation. He raised his children to respect others and they always knew when he meant business.

At the young age of 16 Leonard began his life long career of working for the Railroad. Leonard never complained about the hard work he performed each day on the Railroad. A strong man, he could swing the heavy maul hammer driving spikes that secured the tracks. Leonard worked long hours thru the cold hard winters clearing snow from the tracks through out the Traverse City Petoskey region often for 24 hours straight. In his later years with the railroad he took a position as a Swing Bridge Operator. This job on the railroad afforded Elsie the opportunity to travel with him. Leonard's strong work ethic allowed him to provide a comfortable life while raising his family.

Leonard and Elsie lived in their family home for the past 60 years where wonderful family memories were shared. Once home, he would likely pack up his family for a great adventure, usually fun times camping. Camping for Leonard and his family was great fun and it didn’t cost much. Over the years they enjoyed camping at Arbutus, Elk and Spider Lakes. As a family they also regularly returned to Leonard’s favorite places on the Manistee River.

Leonard liked his garden and strived to teach his children the rewards of doing a good job maintaining the family Garden. If the children did a good job keeping up with it while he was gone He would then treat them to a day at the lake. They water skied, fished and enjoyed all that the nearby lakes had to offer.

With their great love, Leonard and Elsie shared much over the years. They attended Fellowship Church and together they shared a love for travel. Leonard wanted to experience everything when traveling He liked to stop and take in the sights which often extended the driving time to their final destination. For many years he enjoyed fishing excursions in Canada and loved watching the freighters and boats pass through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the years they camped at various places, he retired from CSX Transportation in 1980 and they spent many years wintering in Florida.

With more time on his hands, Leonard spent valuable time with his family. He delighted in his grandchildren and if anyone needed anything, Leonard was there. He loved interacting with his grandchildren and loved taking care of the babies. During the summer months he helped his children harvest cherries and pack honey. Once while delivering bees to the orchards he was stung so bad his eyes swelled shut. Although Leonard loved many things, he continued to enjoy roller skating well after he was 80 years old. Besides gardening and camping, Leonard loved fishing, bike riding, woodworking, and making model cars and trains from wood.

Following a long, well lived and well loved life, Leonard Dwight Beardsley died on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered for all that he was. He will remain a treasure in the hearts of many.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elsie L. (Peters) Beardsley; children: Elsie (Delbert) Farrar, Robin Beardsley, Carl (Sylvia) Beardsley, Josa (Ralph) Schaub, Thomas Beardsley, and Geana (Larry) Hilbert, 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; sister, Elsie Mae (Vern) Hewer; brother, James (Pat) Pringle, and “Cookie” the family dog. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren; his sister, Dawn Breithaupt, and brother, Richard Beardsley.

His family will greet friends from 4-7:00 PM Thursday, September 16, 2010 at Life Story Funeral Home-Traverse City. Services will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010, 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Jon Debruyn officiating. Interment will be in the Grand Traverse Memorial Garden. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Father Fred Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign his online guest book.