Leonard L. Yaudes

Leonard L. Yaudes was born November 12, 1930 in Charleston Township, Wellsboro, PA to Romaine and Chloe (Jacobs) Yaudes. He is survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, including: Bob (Maddy) Bartlett of Mansfield, PA, Henry (Betty) Bartlett of Covington, PA, O. Richard Bartlett of Hughesville, PA, Dorland Hanford of Williamsport, PA; Sheila Bucher of Robensonia, PA; Debra McDowell of Sligo, PA; Paula (David) Nees of Whitewater, WI; Jeffrey Reynolds of Mansfield, PA; Janet (Scott) Ackerman of Elmira, NY; Cynthia Yaudes of Bloomington, IN; sister-in-law, Nancy Yaudes of Williamsport, PA; and many great nieces and nephews, including: Mallory Nees of Chicago, IL; Laura Ackerman of Buffalo, NY; and Samantha Ackerman of Wahiawa, HI. He was so very proud of all of them and loved them dearly.Leonard had many wonderful friends, including special friends, John Root of Pine City, NY and Cindy Haigh of Elmira, NY. Leonard was the youngest of ten children and was raised on a farm in Charleston Township. He loved returning to visit the area of his boyhood home, visiting relatives and enjoying the countryside. He graduated from Charleston School in 1948 and served with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean Conflict 1951-1954 in the 20th Engineer Brigade near La Rochelle, France. This experience gave him the opportunity to travel widely in Europe and he especially loved his visits to Austria, Germany and France. He graduated from Mansfield State Teacher’s College (Mansfield University) in 1958, and taught briefly in Chicago, IL before returning to teach Junior High School History courses in the Elmira City School District. He went on to receive two advanced degrees from Elmira College in 1963 and studied Guidance at SUNY-Albany, graduating in 1969. He returned to serve as a Senior High Counselor at Elmira City Schools for 22 years, retiring in 1990. Len was a former member of the Whitneyville United Methodist Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira where he served as an elder and was a long time member of the mission committee, spearheading their donation drives to area food pantries. Leonard’s life experiences truly shaped the generous, personable, gentleman that he was. Having grown up on a farm, he loved nature and animals; he was particularly proud of his beautiful home and garden on W. Water St. His time abroad led to his love of travel and adventure; his education led to his lifelong love of learning; he was an avid reader and encouraged countless students to pursue their dreams. He was a great supporter of the Arts, and enjoyed classical music and theatre.Leonard truly loved life and had a wonderful, fun sense of humor and made friends wherever he went, whether traveling to Cape Cod, or Florida or across the countryside on a solo camping trip. Even though he battled heart disease, cancer and finally dementia, Len was always upbeat, pleasant and happy to sit and chat. Although dementia derailed his travels and his world became smaller, as he would rather sit and reflect; he would still welcome you with a big smile and want to know what was new with you. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Leonard’s life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 1054 West Clinton Street in Elmira, with a Memorial Service to be held following at 12:00 (noon), led by the Rev. Dr. Betsy Crimmins. In lieu of flowers, guests are asked to bring a donation of a canned good or non-perishable item to contribute to the Food Pantry. Len’s cremation and service are being handled by Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. of Elmira, NY.Donations may be made in Leonard’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira or by supporting the Arts or Education. Thanks to Brookdale Senior Living of Vestal, NY, Woodbrook Assisted Living, the Chemung County Nursing Facility and Wilson Memorial Hospital (UHS) for their compassionate care in Leonard’s final years and days. Please cherish and treasure your memories of Leonard as he would have wanted; as it was his many wonderful friends that he cherished the most. “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was that I had such friends.” (W. B. Yeats) Leonard's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.