Leslie Alford Horve

Leslie Alford Horve, 86, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on August 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Louise Horve, his brother, David Horve, and his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty “Yia Yia” Kastran Horve. Les is survived by their four children: Debbie (Jim) Strobel, Jeff (Kristen) Horve, Sue (Jim) Middlecamp, and Jenny (Matt) Beverly. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Grant, Blake, and Marisa Franson; Zack Horve; Aurora and Quincy Middlecamp; and Marshall and Calla Beverly. He is further survived by his sister, Janice Horve Roddis.

Born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, on December 5, 1938, Les attended the University of Illinois before proudly serving in the United States Navy. Known for his intellect and dedication, Les earned his Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering, achieving great success in his field. Having his PHD and being an expert in his field Les earned the nickname “Seal Doc”.

Les was not only an accomplished academic but also an inventor, editor, author, professor (at the University of Nevada), and expert witness. He held a patent for a fluid seal assembly (Patent No. 5,350,181), granted on September 27, 1994, and authored several books, including Shaft Seals for Dynamic Applications (1996) and Handbook of Fluid Sealing. As an expert in his field, Les was called upon to testify during the Space Shuttle Columbia trial regarding the possible failure of an O-ring.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Les had many passions. He was a car enthusiast who enjoyed cruising with the top down and proudly displaying his “Seal Doc” license plate. He loved building model ships, playing tennis, reading, maintaining his aquarium, and collecting stamps and coins.

Les and Betty shared a deep love for family and were known for their warmth and hospitality. They especially cherished hosting the holidays, particularly their "Christmas in Vegas." The couple welcomed their children and grandchildren with open arms, creating lasting memories of festive gatherings filled with laughter, piles of gifts, overflowing stockings, the endless ice cream bowl and dinners at the Brazilian Steakhouse. In one of their more memorable surprises, Les and Betty arranged a Christmas morning visit from exotic animals—monkeys, a beer-drinking orangutan, and even a black panther.

A cherished holiday tradition for Les was reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to his children and later, his grandchildren. Each time, he would end the story with the signature line, “And to all, a good night.” These moments will remain etched in the hearts of his family forever.

Les’s legacy is one of love, wisdom, and unshakable devotion to his family and his work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Les. And to all, a good night.