Leonard V. Davis (1919 - 2013)
FRANKLINVILLE - Leonard V. Davis, of Pine Street, passed away Thursday (Dec. 5, 2013) at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, who were by his side.
Born Sept. 11, 1919, in Franklinville, Leonard was the son of Vernon H. "Dynamite" and Matilda Caroline Brown Davis. On June 28, 1947, in Farmersville, he married the love of his life, Edith Eleanor Lane. Len and Edie had two daughters.
He was a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville, Class of 1937, and took a number of courses at St. Bonaventure University and other area schools. Len was a man of a great many talents: a problem solver, critical thinker, and a "Mr. Fix It" who took great pride in repairing and repurposing what others considered broken.
He was dedicated to his job, his wife and his children. Len never hesitated to voice his appreciation of his good friends. He loved wildlife and the outdoors. He also raised rabbits and other pets, to the enjoyment of local children who frequently visited them. He taught children how to care for animals and always provided assistance when some decided to raise them as he did.
Employment through the years included roles as plant supervisor of Aerovox in Franklinville and plant manager of Aerovox in Olean. During World War II, he was required to remain at Aerovox, to manage the production of electronic devices, used extensively in U.S. military operations. He was then a department supervisor at Motorola in Arcade for 27 years, retiring in 1982.
During and after these work years, he found enjoyment and peace in "getting away to the farm" where he practiced conservation efforts, planted thousands of trees, constructed ponds and roadways, worked with his antique F-12 and Ford 8-N tractors and harvested logs for lumber and firewood. Throughout his 94 years, he was an avid trapper, hunter, bowler, golfer and fisherman. He owned and worked a separate Christmas tree farm for more than 50 years. Both he and Edie loved this work, and enjoyed helping local families find their "perfect" Christmas tree.
He also found great enjoyment in helping neighbors and others with home projects. Len enjoyed growing plants, flowers and vegetables, maintaining a large vegetable garden and grafting fruit trees that continue to bear fruit.
Len loved his friends and family. His neighbors Diane and Harvey Soulvie were important to Edie and him for more than 30 years. Two close friends-like family members were Bob Peterson and Paul Jewett, with whom he hunted, fished and vacationed for many years. Bob and Len spent the opening day of deer season together on his farm for 44 consecutive years, including last month, with Brian Edmister II and Andrew Edmister. Also just weeks before his passing, Paul Jewett and Len went fishing at Paul's pond, enjoying their time together in the sunshine. Len, Bob and Paul shared many common interests. Len volunteered or was a member in many organizations and committees: the Franklinville Tree Commission, Motorola's volunteer fire team, and the Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County, to name just a few. He was also an old standby at the Franklinville Maple Festival through last year, seen cooking sausage with Harvey Soulvie and Bob Harrington through the age of 92.
Leonard was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Edie.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen (Robert) Harrington of Franklinville and Leona (Frank Flanders) Davis of Temple, N.H.; three grandchildren, Erica (Christopher) Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Lisa Harrington of Buffalo, and Michael Flanders of Temple, N.H.; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Chelsea and Justin Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; a cousin, Alice Cowles of Fla; and many nieces & nephews.
Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Department or the American Lung Association in his memory.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Richard Larsson, Pa.b and his office staff at the Olean Medical Group; Drs. Henry Storch, Tammy Buzzard, Gilbert Witte, John Weinhold and all who were so good to Len. Special thanks to Home Care & Hospice, which was such a great support to all of us. Your dedication and caring will never leave our memories. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
-------------------
Published in The Olean Times Herald on Dec. 8, 2013
FRANKLINVILLE - Leonard V. Davis, of Pine Street, passed away Thursday (Dec. 5, 2013) at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, who were by his side.
Born Sept. 11, 1919, in Franklinville, Leonard was the son of Vernon H. "Dynamite" and Matilda Caroline Brown Davis. On June 28, 1947, in Farmersville, he married the love of his life, Edith Eleanor Lane. Len and Edie had two daughters.
He was a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville, Class of 1937, and took a number of courses at St. Bonaventure University and other area schools. Len was a man of a great many talents: a problem solver, critical thinker, and a "Mr. Fix It" who took great pride in repairing and repurposing what others considered broken.
He was dedicated to his job, his wife and his children. Len never hesitated to voice his appreciation of his good friends. He loved wildlife and the outdoors. He also raised rabbits and other pets, to the enjoyment of local children who frequently visited them. He taught children how to care for animals and always provided assistance when some decided to raise them as he did.
Employment through the years included roles as plant supervisor of Aerovox in Franklinville and plant manager of Aerovox in Olean. During World War II, he was required to remain at Aerovox, to manage the production of electronic devices, used extensively in U.S. military operations. He was then a department supervisor at Motorola in Arcade for 27 years, retiring in 1982.
During and after these work years, he found enjoyment and peace in "getting away to the farm" where he practiced conservation efforts, planted thousands of trees, constructed ponds and roadways, worked with his antique F-12 and Ford 8-N tractors and harvested logs for lumber and firewood. Throughout his 94 years, he was an avid trapper, hunter, bowler, golfer and fisherman. He owned and worked a separate Christmas tree farm for more than 50 years. Both he and Edie loved this work, and enjoyed helping local families find their "perfect" Christmas tree.
He also found great enjoyment in helping neighbors and others with home projects. Len enjoyed growing plants, flowers and vegetables, maintaining a large vegetable garden and grafting fruit trees that continue to bear fruit.
Len loved his friends and family. His neighbors Diane and Harvey Soulvie were important to Edie and him for more than 30 years. Two close friends-like family members were Bob Peterson and Paul Jewett, with whom he hunted, fished and vacationed for many years. Bob and Len spent the opening day of deer season together on his farm for 44 consecutive years, including last month, with Brian Edmister II and Andrew Edmister. Also just weeks before his passing, Paul Jewett and Len went fishing at Paul's pond, enjoying their time together in the sunshine. Len, Bob and Paul shared many common interests. Len volunteered or was a member in many organizations and committees: the Franklinville Tree Commission, Motorola's volunteer fire team, and the Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County, to name just a few. He was also an old standby at the Franklinville Maple Festival through last year, seen cooking sausage with Harvey Soulvie and Bob Harrington through the age of 92.
Leonard was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Edie.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen (Robert) Harrington of Franklinville and Leona (Frank Flanders) Davis of Temple, N.H.; three grandchildren, Erica (Christopher) Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Lisa Harrington of Buffalo, and Michael Flanders of Temple, N.H.; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Chelsea and Justin Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; a cousin, Alice Cowles of Fla; and many nieces & nephews.
Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Department or the American Lung Association in his memory.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Richard Larsson, Pa.b and his office staff at the Olean Medical Group; Drs. Henry Storch, Tammy Buzzard, Gilbert Witte, John Weinhold and all who were so good to Len. Special thanks to Home Care & Hospice, which was such a great support to all of us. Your dedication and caring will never leave our memories. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
-------------------
Published in The Olean Times Herald on Dec. 8, 2013
Leonard V. Davis (1919 - 2013)
FRANKLINVILLE - Leonard V. Davis, of Pine Street, passed away Thursday (Dec. 5, 2013) at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, who were by his side.
Born Sept. 11, 1919, in Franklinville, Leonard was the son of Vernon H. "Dynamite" and Matilda Caroline Brown Davis. On June 28, 1947, in Farmersville, he married the love of his life, Edith Eleanor Lane. Len and Edie had two daughters.
He was a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville, Class of 1937, and took a number of courses at St. Bonaventure University and other area schools. Len was a man of a great many talents: a problem solver, critical thinker, and a "Mr. Fix It" who took great pride in repairing and repurposing what others considered broken.
He was dedicated to his job, his wife and his children. Len never hesitated to voice his appreciation of his good friends. He loved wildlife and the outdoors. He also raised rabbits and other pets, to the enjoyment of local children who frequently visited them. He taught children how to care for animals and always provided assistance when some decided to raise them as he did.
Employment through the years included roles as plant supervisor of Aerovox in Franklinville and plant manager of Aerovox in Olean. During World War II, he was required to remain at Aerovox, to manage the production of electronic devices, used extensively in U.S. military operations. He was then a department supervisor at Motorola in Arcade for 27 years, retiring in 1982.
During and after these work years, he found enjoyment and peace in "getting away to the farm" where he practiced conservation efforts, planted thousands of trees, constructed ponds and roadways, worked with his antique F-12 and Ford 8-N tractors and harvested logs for lumber and firewood. Throughout his 94 years, he was an avid trapper, hunter, bowler, golfer and fisherman. He owned and worked a separate Christmas tree farm for more than 50 years. Both he and Edie loved this work, and enjoyed helping local families find their "perfect" Christmas tree.
He also found great enjoyment in helping neighbors and others with home projects. Len enjoyed growing plants, flowers and vegetables, maintaining a large vegetable garden and grafting fruit trees that continue to bear fruit.
Len loved his friends and family. His neighbors Diane and Harvey Soulvie were important to Edie and him for more than 30 years. Two close friends-like family members were Bob Peterson and Paul Jewett, with whom he hunted, fished and vacationed for many years. Bob and Len spent the opening day of deer season together on his farm for 44 consecutive years, including last month, with Brian Edmister II and Andrew Edmister. Also just weeks before his passing, Paul Jewett and Len went fishing at Paul's pond, enjoying their time together in the sunshine. Len, Bob and Paul shared many common interests. Len volunteered or was a member in many organizations and committees: the Franklinville Tree Commission, Motorola's volunteer fire team, and the Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County, to name just a few. He was also an old standby at the Franklinville Maple Festival through last year, seen cooking sausage with Harvey Soulvie and Bob Harrington through the age of 92.
Leonard was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Edie.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen (Robert) Harrington of Franklinville and Leona (Frank Flanders) Davis of Temple, N.H.; three grandchildren, Erica (Christopher) Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Lisa Harrington of Buffalo, and Michael Flanders of Temple, N.H.; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Chelsea and Justin Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; a cousin, Alice Cowles of Fla; and many nieces & nephews.
Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Department or the American Lung Association in his memory.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Richard Larsson, Pa.b and his office staff at the Olean Medical Group; Drs. Henry Storch, Tammy Buzzard, Gilbert Witte, John Weinhold and all who were so good to Len. Special thanks to Home Care & Hospice, which was such a great support to all of us. Your dedication and caring will never leave our memories. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
-------------------
Published in The Olean Times Herald on Dec. 8, 2013
FRANKLINVILLE - Leonard V. Davis, of Pine Street, passed away Thursday (Dec. 5, 2013) at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, who were by his side.
Born Sept. 11, 1919, in Franklinville, Leonard was the son of Vernon H. "Dynamite" and Matilda Caroline Brown Davis. On June 28, 1947, in Farmersville, he married the love of his life, Edith Eleanor Lane. Len and Edie had two daughters.
He was a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville, Class of 1937, and took a number of courses at St. Bonaventure University and other area schools. Len was a man of a great many talents: a problem solver, critical thinker, and a "Mr. Fix It" who took great pride in repairing and repurposing what others considered broken.
He was dedicated to his job, his wife and his children. Len never hesitated to voice his appreciation of his good friends. He loved wildlife and the outdoors. He also raised rabbits and other pets, to the enjoyment of local children who frequently visited them. He taught children how to care for animals and always provided assistance when some decided to raise them as he did.
Employment through the years included roles as plant supervisor of Aerovox in Franklinville and plant manager of Aerovox in Olean. During World War II, he was required to remain at Aerovox, to manage the production of electronic devices, used extensively in U.S. military operations. He was then a department supervisor at Motorola in Arcade for 27 years, retiring in 1982.
During and after these work years, he found enjoyment and peace in "getting away to the farm" where he practiced conservation efforts, planted thousands of trees, constructed ponds and roadways, worked with his antique F-12 and Ford 8-N tractors and harvested logs for lumber and firewood. Throughout his 94 years, he was an avid trapper, hunter, bowler, golfer and fisherman. He owned and worked a separate Christmas tree farm for more than 50 years. Both he and Edie loved this work, and enjoyed helping local families find their "perfect" Christmas tree.
He also found great enjoyment in helping neighbors and others with home projects. Len enjoyed growing plants, flowers and vegetables, maintaining a large vegetable garden and grafting fruit trees that continue to bear fruit.
Len loved his friends and family. His neighbors Diane and Harvey Soulvie were important to Edie and him for more than 30 years. Two close friends-like family members were Bob Peterson and Paul Jewett, with whom he hunted, fished and vacationed for many years. Bob and Len spent the opening day of deer season together on his farm for 44 consecutive years, including last month, with Brian Edmister II and Andrew Edmister. Also just weeks before his passing, Paul Jewett and Len went fishing at Paul's pond, enjoying their time together in the sunshine. Len, Bob and Paul shared many common interests. Len volunteered or was a member in many organizations and committees: the Franklinville Tree Commission, Motorola's volunteer fire team, and the Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County, to name just a few. He was also an old standby at the Franklinville Maple Festival through last year, seen cooking sausage with Harvey Soulvie and Bob Harrington through the age of 92.
Leonard was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Edie.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen (Robert) Harrington of Franklinville and Leona (Frank Flanders) Davis of Temple, N.H.; three grandchildren, Erica (Christopher) Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Lisa Harrington of Buffalo, and Michael Flanders of Temple, N.H.; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Chelsea and Justin Slippy of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; a cousin, Alice Cowles of Fla; and many nieces & nephews.
Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Department or the American Lung Association in his memory.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Richard Larsson, Pa.b and his office staff at the Olean Medical Group; Drs. Henry Storch, Tammy Buzzard, Gilbert Witte, John Weinhold and all who were so good to Len. Special thanks to Home Care & Hospice, which was such a great support to all of us. Your dedication and caring will never leave our memories. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
-------------------
Published in The Olean Times Herald on Dec. 8, 2013
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