Lee Sergent - W1LBS

Net Control

Cape Elizabeth, ME

A Tribute From Bob W1WYZ

Ham radio lost one of the "good ones" early this morning (Sunday 11/30/2008) with the passing of Lee Sargent, W1LBS. Lee was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, and complications from it finally accomplished what several helicopter crashes, getting shot at by enemy soldiers, too much wine women and song, hard living, and all the rest never did.

Lee was a really active ham and donated much time and effort to all his ham radio activities. He was a net controller for the Maritime Net and several other nets from time to time, and was always the first guy to show up and the last guy to leave whenever a fellow ham needed a hole dug for a tower, and antenna put up, a storm door hung, or any electrical work performed. I know, because Lee did all of that for me and so much more.

How many times was I ever in a foul mood, but I'd turn on the radio and there would be Lee with his characteristic signature chortle of "ho ho ho ho ho!" and it would put a smile on my face. He was always in a good mood, always looking forward to more fishing, moose hunting, having people over for a dinner (moose meat, anyone?), or some new adventure. I will miss his stories about his misadventures so much... he always told them in such a way that you couldn't help but laugh along as Lee poked fun at himself.

Here's a pic of Lee I took a few years ago during a cook-out that he hosted... before the cancer was part of his life. It's how I'll always remember him, sitting in his shack waiting for the net to start... and another chance to maybe help a fellow ham in peril on the sea. Thanks for all the good times Lee... may your newest adventure be the best and your seas calm. Sailor, rest your oars.

FROM PORTLAND PRESS HERALD

Leighton Burleigh Sargent Jr., 66 PORTLAND, ME -- Leighton Burleigh Sargent Jr., 66, of Cape Elizabeth died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Maine Medical Center after a long illness. He was the husband of Marjorie K. (Kirkpatrick) Sargent. He was born in Portland, on Sept. 4, 1942, the son of the late Leighton B. and Helen Merle (Freeman) Sargent Sr.

He attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School a member of the class of 1960. He received his commission as an Army 2nd Lieutenant at the Maine Military Academy at Camp Keyes in Augusta, in 1964. Leighton retired as a Major from the 133rd Engineering Company of the Maine National Guard. Leighton started working as a youngster delivering papers for the Portland Press Herald as well as shining shoes. He also worked for Portland Pipe Line, was part owner of Portland Book Bindery, worked at the Kennebec Journal in Augusta and at several other printing companies in the Greater Portland area, including Brownie Press. Leighton was a contributing editor to the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association as well as a member of Andrews Sabres Drum & Bugle Corps playing at first the brass bugle and later the French horn. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts in his younger years.

Leighton was a former member of the Corner Stones Lodge No. 216 AF & AM, Corner Stones Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 193 in Portland and Kora Shrine in Lewiston. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a story teller extraordinaire. He was also the official video cameraman for the Joe's Smoke Shop flag football teams. He volunteered his time to many local youth groups including the Big Brother Association and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. He was also a HAM radio operator for the Maritime Mobile Service Network with the call sign W1LBS.

Besides his wife, Marjorie, he is survived by his two children, John and David Greenwood of Cape Elizabeth. He also leaves his three sisters, Judith A. Discatio of Portland, Jane A. Baker and her husband Richard E. of Portland, and Susan J. Bailey and her husband David A. of Yarmouth. He is also survived by his brother Alan L. Sargent of Portland; his aunt Anna J. Freeman of Portland; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also the brother-in-law of the late Joseph F. Discatio.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland with the Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. Burial will be private. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Sargent family by visiting his guestbook at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers donations in Leighton's memory can be made to: American Heart Association 51 U.S. Route 1 Suite M Scarborough, Maine 04074 or American Cancer Society 1 Main St. Topsham, Maine 04086 Leighton Burleigh Sargent Jr. Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home & Cremation Service 775-3763