Walter Leslie Keighton, a lifelong resident of Swarthmore, died of congestive heart failure at home on August 3. He was 81.
Born as the youngest of five siblings to the late Walter B. Keighton Jr. and Eleanor M. Paxson, Leslie graduated from Swarthmore High School in 1956 and earned a B.A. in English from Earlham College in 1961. From 1962 to 1967, he taught English and Social Studies at Overbrook School for the Blind.
After working under contractor Fred Lynch and with partner Bob Morton for several years, Leslie began a nearly 50-year career as a self-employed painting contractor, earning the trust of many loyal clients in Swarthmore. A perfectionist in his trade, he had a reputation for meticulous workmanship, and those he did work for knew they could count on a job that would keep their homes beautiful for years to come.
Leslie was a Quaker pacifist throughout his life, always demonstrating his respect for life- even disappointing his sports coaches in high school by not being aggressive enough toward opponents. During his time at Quaker Earlham College as an English major, he had a continuing interest in biology but resisted dissecting animals in the lab. In keeping with his love of animals, he remained a vegetarian for his entire adult life. As a conscientious objector to war, and killing, he found alternative service as a volunteer with the pacifist Mennonites in a village in Newfoundland, Canada. At Swarthmore Friends Meeting, he taught First Day School (otherwise known as “Sunday School”) and later served as Recording Clerk for nearly 40 years. His note taking skills were widely regarded in this role as he took the minutes at each monthly Meeting for Business. He was also a faithful volunteer at the Meeting’s annual Jumble Sale alongside his son George.
Leslie had a lifelong passion for nature and horticulture. He enjoyed tending to many different plants and trees, particularly rhododendrons, which he had won awards for and raised them to sell, including to the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College. He always felt most comfortable working independently in the solitude of nature. His gardens celebrate his love of nature and everything that grows around us and of whom we are an integral part.
Additionally, Leslie maintained a keen interest in poetry and literature. He enjoyed classical music and played the oboe for a number of years.
When Swarthmore Friends Meeting opened up the Refugee House next door at 409 College Ave, Leslie served as an ESL teacher for Lao refugees, and often went over to help cook for the families. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Chanly, who arrived from Cambodia in 1988.
At family gatherings, Leslie would play with the kids and was always considered the “fun uncle”. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and infectious laugh.
Leslie is survived by his wife Chanly Jong, son George Keighton, stepson Hokly Pith, sister June K. Furlow, brothers James D. Keighton and Robert L. Keighton, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Charles E. Keighton. A memorial service at Swarthmore Friends Meeting will be announced at a later date. George may be reached at (484)-326-8519. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Born as the youngest of five siblings to the late Walter B. Keighton Jr. and Eleanor M. Paxson, Leslie graduated from Swarthmore High School in 1956 and earned a B.A. in English from Earlham College in 1961. From 1962 to 1967, he taught English and Social Studies at Overbrook School for the Blind.
After working under contractor Fred Lynch and with partner Bob Morton for several years, Leslie began a nearly 50-year career as a self-employed painting contractor, earning the trust of many loyal clients in Swarthmore. A perfectionist in his trade, he had a reputation for meticulous workmanship, and those he did work for knew they could count on a job that would keep their homes beautiful for years to come.
Leslie was a Quaker pacifist throughout his life, always demonstrating his respect for life- even disappointing his sports coaches in high school by not being aggressive enough toward opponents. During his time at Quaker Earlham College as an English major, he had a continuing interest in biology but resisted dissecting animals in the lab. In keeping with his love of animals, he remained a vegetarian for his entire adult life. As a conscientious objector to war, and killing, he found alternative service as a volunteer with the pacifist Mennonites in a village in Newfoundland, Canada. At Swarthmore Friends Meeting, he taught First Day School (otherwise known as “Sunday School”) and later served as Recording Clerk for nearly 40 years. His note taking skills were widely regarded in this role as he took the minutes at each monthly Meeting for Business. He was also a faithful volunteer at the Meeting’s annual Jumble Sale alongside his son George.
Leslie had a lifelong passion for nature and horticulture. He enjoyed tending to many different plants and trees, particularly rhododendrons, which he had won awards for and raised them to sell, including to the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College. He always felt most comfortable working independently in the solitude of nature. His gardens celebrate his love of nature and everything that grows around us and of whom we are an integral part.
Additionally, Leslie maintained a keen interest in poetry and literature. He enjoyed classical music and played the oboe for a number of years.
When Swarthmore Friends Meeting opened up the Refugee House next door at 409 College Ave, Leslie served as an ESL teacher for Lao refugees, and often went over to help cook for the families. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Chanly, who arrived from Cambodia in 1988.
At family gatherings, Leslie would play with the kids and was always considered the “fun uncle”. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and infectious laugh.
Leslie is survived by his wife Chanly Jong, son George Keighton, stepson Hokly Pith, sister June K. Furlow, brothers James D. Keighton and Robert L. Keighton, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Charles E. Keighton. A memorial service at Swarthmore Friends Meeting will be announced at a later date. George may be reached at (484)-326-8519. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Friends Committee on National Legislation.