Leon F. Barlow, 89 years old,, left this life on earth, Friday, April 13th at home surrounded by his loving family. He was a life long member of the First Church Congregational, Methuen, Ma..
Leon worked for Essex County for over thirty years and retired as a dairy herdsman.
He took great pride in sharing his love and knowledge for animals, farming, fishing and everything else that involved being outdoors. Nothing made Leon happier than being with his family and sharing his favorite stories. His grandchildren were Leon's most prized rewards in life and he celebrated their life's everyday and was most thankful for them.
Leon was a well known dairy herdsman who showed cattle and dairy animals at most fairs throughout New England. He was especially proud of winning “Best of Breed” at Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Mass.. He was a strong advocate that all children should have a pet because "animals love unconditionally”.
He was so grateful for the opportunity to share his knowledge of agriculture and farming with the many students that passed through his life while being employed by Essex County. He was so proud when students would return to see him or to visit him at his residence.
Leon was a fine woodcarver and carpenter. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and simply walking in the woods and was a life time member of the Canobie Rod & Gun Club of Salem, New Hampshire. He spent many hours watching red tail hawks circling and soaring over fields where he would marvel at how gracefully they rode the upper air currents.
Leon married Elsie L. ( Arnold ) in 1945 and they would of celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this coming May. They raised three children, son Allan H., and his wife Roberta (Eichhorn) of Windham, NH, son Robert L. (predeceased), and daughter Barbara J. and her husband Robert J. Robidoux, of Methuen, Ma.. Leon was blessed with seven grandchildren: Amy ( Barlow )Kunicki and husband Rick of Dracut, Ma.,USAF Captain Eric A. Barlow and wife Rio, of Girdwood, Alaska, Christopher and Scott W. Barlow of Windham, NH, Jason M., Michael A., Taylor R. Robidoux and his girlfriend Michelle Olson and her son Khalil all of Methuen, Ma. and three great grandchildren, Cecily, Brennan, and Caleb Kunicki and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday April 18, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm at The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. Funeral services will be on Thursday April 19 at 10:00 am in First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. The family is requesting that donations be made to First Church Congregational, Organ Restoration Fund, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen, Massachusetts 01844.
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