Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Leon BEY Obituary
News Death Notice
BEY, Leon S. Age 71, of Dayton, Ohio passed away Friday, June 20, 2014 of cancer. He was born on January 12, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents Emma and Virgil Bey. He attended Ansonia High School and Wright State University. He is survived by his sisters Margaret (Andrew) Green, Susanne (Dennis) Barga and Debrah (Kenneth) Liette; 8 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. He worked at the downtown Dayton Library for over 30 years. He developed a grant writing program, which helped many local organizations. He loved local history. He created many programs including Dayton Gypsies, Watervliet Shakers, and Dayton Flood, which he presented at the Library and other local organizations. He will be remembered for his historical Dayton walking tours. He was a board member Board of Catholic Social Services. Leon successfully spearheaded a summer film series called F.L.I.C.K.S. Leon was a cherished founding member of the Living Beatitudes Community. Respected member of the local Gay and Lesbian Community. He was active on the board of the Dayton Gay and Lesbian Center in the 80's and responsible for programming and growing center attendance. Leon initiated the committee that organized Dayton's 1st Pride Celebration in 1987. Leon developed the first Natalie Barney celebration that honored the life of the famous Dayton writer. In 1988 Leon produced a program "Keeping Healthy in Difficult Times" for the Gay Center, in response to the Aids crisis. Memorial Service will be held in the Sanctuary of Christ Episcopal Church, 20 West First Street, Dayton, Ohio, on Sunday July 6, 2014, 2:00 PM. Family will receive guests following the service in the Parish Hall. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to House of Bread 9 Orth Ave. Dayton, Ohio, Queen of Apostle Community 4435 E. Patterson Rd. Beavercreek, Ohio, and AIDS Foundation 211 S. Main, Dayton, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leon BEY
thomas thompson
June 23, 2020
Leon was the most considerate and thoughtful person, that I ever knew. I have always missed him, but I have great memories of him. A friend Thomas Thompson
Tsali Ticonderoga
July 23, 2014
I loved hiscwalks and talks and will miss them.
July 22, 2014
Bless the family Thomas Thompson Nashville TN.
July 22, 2014
Bless the family Thomas Thompson NASHVILLE tn.
Anthony Bey
July 6, 2014
Our Cousin Leon was such a good person and his loss will be felt for a long time.A great historian ; He was a very lucky person who made many travels across our country and the world. Rest In Peace !
Mark Willis
July 5, 2014
Leon will be truly missed! I learned so much from him. He was a great co-worker, a community treasure and a real friend.
Kathleen Rizer
July 5, 2014
I attended all his history talks, and first met him at a grant-writing presentation in 1989. He was such a wonderful part of the story that is Dayton, past and present. His scholarship and contributions will be so very missed.
Mark Roma
July 3, 2014
Leon was a wonderful man and a true testament to the library profession.
Vita McCray
July 3, 2014
Wow.
I've only met Mr. Bey two or three times, but there was something pleasant, sweet, and inviting about him.
When I saw the news, I instantly became saddened and felt a loss. There are some people that don't need to say much to impact you in a positive way. Leon seemed to be one of those people.
My heart is with the communities and family members he affected so positively.
Much love and light,
~Vita~
Linda Warren
July 2, 2014
Leon was involved and a leader in so many things! He will be missed!
staretta bushaw
July 1, 2014
he will be missed
Bill Hardy
July 1, 2014
We stand on the shoulders of advocates like Leon Bey, who was a board member, donor and volunteer of (then) AIDS Foundation Miami Valley. We are grateful for his legacy to so many.
Bill Hardy
Pres. & CEO
AIDS Resource Center Ohio
Gwen Owen
July 1, 2014
Leon was a treasure in the library community, the LGBT community, the greater Dayton community and beyond. He was one of a kind and he'll be missed.
Vicki Hahn
July 1, 2014
Leon was such a kind man. We worked together on various projects in the LGBT community. My first work on a Pride dinner was with Leon. We shared many conversations about our families in Ansonia. Leon shared his talents as a historian and a gifted story teller with so many. His departure is such a loss to our community. My sympathies to his family.
Raeanna Biddle
June 30, 2014
Leon was a kind, gentle man. I respected him a lot.
Kery Gray
June 30, 2014
Leon was a kind man who worked tirelessly for the benefit of the LGBT community in Dayton and for the betterment of the entire Dayton community. He will be missed and his work will continue through those he has inspired. I hope his blood and chosen family is wrapped in care and compassion at this time of loss.
Michael Hawk
June 29, 2014
A Dayton legend and a man I am proud to have called a friend and a fellow warrior over the last 25 years.
Pat Cashdollar
June 29, 2014
Leon was a much needed friend from QAC helping me help a young unmarked woman who was pregnant and being victimized...his advice and connections within the Social Service Community were so welcome. Then he helped a non-profit organization I helped found, "the Technology Resource Center" with his Grants Prject at the Library. After that his history tours and lectures enriched many of our lives in retirement at Mercy Siena Retirement Center! , he will be missed!! So happy he is resting in peace!
Raymonde Rougier
June 29, 2014
So sorry to hear about Leon. He will be greatly missed by many, I'm sure.
Donna Herron
June 29, 2014
My condolence to the Bey Family, Leon was gifted making those around him feel better about themselves.
Linda Koss
June 29, 2014
A kind good man and a wonderful ptofessional. He will be missed.
Becky Sommer
June 29, 2014
I adored Leon. I've had many wonderful times with him and was thrilled to see him last Sept at the QAC 40th anniversary liturgy. Leon lived aa very successful life: loved by many, respected, and a true servant.
Eric Wiessinger
June 29, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. Leon was a great person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Leon's family. God bless.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Leon BEY's name
Memorial Events
for Leon BEY
How to support Leon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Leon BEY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
