Leon Russell Albushies

Leon R. Albushies, 81, Breton Road, Gilford, NH passed away peacefully in his home during the evening of December 6, 2015. He was born in Cambridge, Mass on August 25, 1934 as the fourth and youngest child of Hugo and Anna Albushies. Leon grew up "on the streets of Boston" as he would say, and made his way to NH in his early 20s to work in the radio business. He met and married Muriel Goodearl in 1964 and had three children, Susan, Thomas and Lauren. The family lived in Laconia and all three children graduated from Laconia High School. Leon never found a true career calling and worked at some point in various professions from factory inspector to flower delivery to painter for the State of NH. After retiring in 1996, Leon began his pursuit of his true passions, writing poetry and reading about history. Although he never obtained much formal education, he has written dozens of poems and many short stories. Leon loved his children and grandchildren deeply and they became the inspiration of many of his writings. Leon enjoyed sailing and swimming, both in the ocean and lakes, and could be found many afternoons in the summer at Gilford beach relaxing and chatting with any and all that would listen. Leon loved old movies, especially those with John Wayne or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He used to joke that any movie in color was probably not any good. In his later years Leon became a passionate advocate for world peace and spent many hours writing letters to the newspaper. He also spent time in the community of the First United Methodist Church of Gilford, where he enjoyed the company of the parish. Despite being in his eighties he remained active with church outreach and volunteer efforts. Leon was predeceased by his siblings, Harold, Richard, and Lucille, as well as many of his longtime friends. Leon was a joyful person and will be missed by all who crossed his path in life. Leon is survived by his three children, Susan Brown of Belmont, NH, Dr. Thomas Albushies of Bow, NH and Lauren Cronin of Methuen, Mass, their spouses and his 7 grandchildren Karlyn, Kaleb, Gavin, Joseph, William, Mason, and Anthony. He also has several surviving nephews and nieces. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Gilford, P.O. Box 7408, Gilford, NH 03247 with attention to Rev. Thomas Getchell-Lacey.

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Leon Russell Albushies

August 25, 1934 - December 6, 2015