Leroy -- FYI

[vabrou]

I have no actual proof, but....

Leroy recently came up in a post here. Thought I'd pass on what I was told.

Earlier this spring, was informed that he was placed in an assisted living residence, by his family. The word 'dementia' accompanied that information.

Similarly, the person who began the Southern Lepidopterists Society, Dave Baggett has been in an assisted living center for a good many years.

[wollastoni]

Our thoughts for Leroy and his family.

And let's enjoy life, go to the field, meet insect friends, as long as we can !

[Chuck]

I called Leroy's phone and it went straight to his same old voice mail message. The mailbox was full so I could not leave a message. So I sent a text message.

[DrewAlan]

I have been friends with Leroy for more than 40 years. Sadly, it is true that he has dementia that progressed over the past 10 years to the point where he has had to be placed in an assisted living facility. He has no phone nor access to a computer or internet. So, no sense in emailing or trying to call him.

Regards,
Drew

[Chuck]

I have been friends with Leroy for more than 40 years. Sadly, it is true that he has dementia that progressed over the past 10 years to the point where he has had to be placed in an assisted living facility. He has no phone nor access to a computer or internet. So, no sense in emailing or trying to call him.

Regards,
Drew

Thanks Drew. Sad.

Some people knew Leroy here as unable to fulfill customer orders, and some as a nasty old man who caused trouble. All of this really started when he lost his wife, then was forced to leave their home. I suspect the dementia was hitting him then too.

Leroy though was a powerhouse in Lepidoptery. All of the "old guard" know him; he installed the first compactors at, IIRC, Carnegie. Ask anyone over 70 and they'll all tell you how Leroy led the way with new methods, technology, etc. and knew his bugs. Outside of entomology though his work and adventures are legendary; he had a story for every occasion.

I miss Leroy. Perhaps odd to say, I hope the dementia has relieved him the horrible pain of losing his beloved wife.

[wollastoni]

Well written Chuck.

This terrible dementia explains the odd behaviour of Leroy in his last years on InsectNet. I also hope he is relieved now and I wish the best to him and his family.