Philip S. Leslie

Philip Leslie was just a good man. He was a simple man, honest, decent, and hard working. A man of genteel southern charm, born in the Commonwealth of Kentucky He could disarm you with his smile and put you at ease. He had true wit; sharp and clever, making you burst out in laughter and scratch your head at the same time. He was so damn smart. "No off position on the genius switch" he would say. "I can fix anything but a broken heart." And he could. He didn't care much for school growing up but he made up for it with his unending appetite for knowledge, conversation, and all of the arts. He was a voracious reader in all subjects—constantly reading 3 or 4 books at once. He was especially fond of history, law, politics and all of the classics. He learned his father's trade in dental lab technology and loved to work with his hands. Carpentry, building, and construction also part of his many trades and he ran his own businesses along those lines as well. He built homes for Habitat for Humanity for years eventually leading crews. He relished being able to teach the younger generation how to perfect those skills.

Philip was also an accomplished musician, playing guitar & writing music. He always had a band and played music up and down High Street at times with big names, BB King, Leon Redbone, and my personal favorite, Tom Waits. Amazingly, he had even more talent drawing, painting, and writing. Philip could write beautiful prose and poetry. He was a kind of Hillbilly Renaissance Man. Not only was he intelligent and passionate, he was lion-hearted and had a strong sense of justice. Philip was everyone's protector. He had a keen eye for the downtrodden and abused and often intervened in their lives in the most subtle & practical ways. He could sit down with you & work out a solution to your problems. He had a way of convincing the abuser or offender it was in their best interest to back off. Violent situations averted, a bullied or battered wife guarded, a neighborhood kid who walks by a little lighter in his step with no more bruises on his body. All results of an observant man who gave a damn and could quietly get things done.

Philip was a lover of nature & the outdoors. He loved to just be still out there and watch. He knew all of the critters in habitat around him at all times. He would often update me about their lives and teach me their ways. He was a gentle soul. Philip was the real deal. All these things and more. How I wish I had met him 20 years earlier. He's the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me. He taught me to bird watch. He taught me authenticity. He showed me patience, steadfastness and truth. He stubbornly wouldn't accept anything but the best for me. I've learned a new rhythm to my life because of him. I think Philip has spoiled me. I can only hope that in time whatever fills this immense chasm will make him smile & be proud.

~~~Laura "Lucy Leslie" Nelson