Leon Lee

Barkman

Leon Barkman, of Newtown, died September 22, on the Autumnal Equinox, after a brief illness with pneumonia. He was born in Port Jervis, N.Y.

Mr Barkman was a biology professor at Housatonic Community College for 30 years. His education included Rockland Community College, Arizona State University at Flagstaff, Syracuse University, and the University of Bridgeport where he earned a second master’s degree.

He was a veteran of the Army, having served in the Alaskan Tank Corps.

One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming the 37th person to hike the Appalachian Trail, a 2,024-mile trail from Georgia to Maine. He also climbed 113 mountains in the Northeast, each more than 4,000 feet. Every December 28 Leon, his wife Patricia, nephew Dave, and friends Bruce and Susan would hike Mount Marcy, a 5,000-foot mountain in New York that was a favorite destination of his. He hiked all 49 high peaks in the contiguous United States. He also traveled through many other countries. He met his wife while both were backpacking through Europe. 

Mr Barkman led many hikes and, in the process, made many friends. He loved nature. Bird watching was a favorite hobby of his, which he particularly enjoyed with his nephew Scott.

He enjoyed biking and spoke fondly of his cross-country trip from West Coast to East Coast, with his nephew Lee. He was also an avid tennis player. He won men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles in Newtown tournaments several times. He ran the Boston Marathon twice. A full-page photo in Runner’s World captured his participation. Even into his 80s he enjoyed a pick-up game of basketball, hiking, biking, or playing tennis. Just a few short months ago, Mr Barkman was featured on the Connecticut Channel 6 News, showing off his basketball prowess.

Mr Barkman will always be remembered for his youthful spirit, wit, and sense of humor, the ability to make people feel at home in his company, and wonderful bear hugs. He was able to pass on his wisdom and wit to his grandnephews, Jake and Connor. His family life was enriched by Marybeth and Marj, two thoughtful, caring women, as well as his wife’s family, who loved him very much.

A memorial service took place at the tennis courts in Dickinson Town Park on Elm Drive, September 26. The informal memorial honored Mr Barkman and the life he loved.

Memorial contributions may be made to C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, where Mr Barkman liked to read, and where he recently put together a bird jigsaw puzzle that had been given to him for his 80th birthday by his sisters Anne, Ruth, and Rebecca.

The Newtown Bee     September 28, 2012