Walter Leslie Keighton

Walter Leslie Keighton, a lifelong resident of Swarthmore, died of congestive heart failure at home on August 3. He was 81.

The youngest of five siblings born 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 the Overbrook School for the Blind.

After working as a house painter 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 whoever he was doing work for knew they could count on a job that would keep their home beautiful for years to come.

Leslie was a Quaker pacifist throughout his life, always demonstrating his respect for life. He disappointed his high school sports coaches by not being aggressive enough toward his opponents. While he was at Earlham, a Quaker college, he majored in English despite his interest in biology because he resisted dissecting animals in the lab. Also in keeping with his love of animals, he remained a vegetarian for his entire adult life. As a conscientious objector to killing in general, and war in particular, he performed alternative service as a volunteer with the pacifist Mennonites in a village in Newfoundland, Canada. At Swarthmore Friends Meeting, he taught First Day School (the Quaker equivalent of  Sunday School), and then served for nearly 40 years as the Meeting’s recording clerk. In this role, he took the minutes of each monthly Meeting for Business; his skills in this area were highly regarded. He was also a faithful volunteer, alongside his son George, at the Meeting’s annual jumble sale.

Leslie had a lifelong passion for nature and horticulture. He enjoyed tending to many different plants and trees, particularly his award-winning rhododendrons, which he sold to various customers, including the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College. He always felt most comfortable working independently in the solitude of nature. His gardens celebrated his love of nature and everything that grows around us, which he saw as being an integral part of who we are.

Leslie also had a keen lifelong interest in poetry and literature, enjoyed classical music, and played the oboe for a number of years.

When Swarthmore Friends Meeting opened its Refugee House at 409 College Ave. — next door to Leslie’s home — he taught English as a second language to the Laotian refugees who lived there, and often went over to help cook for the families. It was during this time that he met Chanly, who arrived from Cambodia in 1988, and who was to become his beloved wife of nearly 30 years.

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; and 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. The date of his memorial service at Swarthmore Friends Meeting will be announced later. His son George may be reached at 484-326-8519. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Friends Committee on National Legislation.