Leslie Henry Atterbury Jr.

Leslie Henry Atterbury Jr., 87, born on December 29, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky unexpectedly passed away April 26, 2024. Leslie's admiration for nature and the desert landscape brought him back to live in his home in the gorgeous Del Webb community in Sun City Palm Desert, California to spend time with his family and to enjoy the desert warmth in 2014. Leslie grew up in Louisville embracing the values and spirit of his hometown at a young age. He was a boy scout and learned to love and respect nature. He was an avid swimmer and was a member of du Pont Manual High School varsity swim team. Leslie went on to be a lifeguard at Shelby Pool and eventually the Pool Manager as he returned each summer while attending college at the University of Kentucky. He believed in the power of education and had a love for learning. He earned his bachelor's degree and teaching credentials.  In April 1957 Leslie married Doris Byrd and they started a family. Together they had and raised four wonderful children. As a family, they enjoyed camping, playing sports, and gathering with friends. After the children were raised Leslie and Doris went in separate directions. Later in life Leslie met Joan, a beautiful woman and companion who enjoyed many of the same interests, traveling, cultural activities, family, and religion. 

Leslie began teaching first at a Christian School in Louisville. He continued his education attending a science summer program with the University of Missouri. When an opportunity to teach in sunny California presented itself, Leslie moved his young family west where he took a position teaching junior high school science. In just a few years Leslie was offered a position teaching Chemistry and Physics at California High School in Whittier where he taught for many years until transferring to Pioneer High School also in Whittier and retiring in 1995. In his retirement, Leslie enjoyed traveling and exploring England, Scotland, Ireland, and Jerusalem. He was a devout Greek Orthodox and traveled to Alaska and went on many other missionary trips. One of his most cherished places was beautiful Maui where he lived part time after retiring. His time there was a source of joy and rejuvenation, where he basked in the splendor of the island and reflected on life's blessings. Leslie's love for Maui was matched only by his love for his family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend. 

Leslie is preceded in death by his father Leslie H. Atterbury Sr., his mother Elizabeth "Marie" Lynch-Atterbury-Russell, and brother Dahl Atterbury. Leslie is survived by his three daughters, Teresa Kinchen, Kathleen (Richard) Dawson, Elizabeth "Lynn" (Scott) Sharpe and his son Leslie H. (Tita) Atterbury III; his eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Krista, Melissa, Ryan, Logan, Sierra, Leslie IV, and Tiffany; his great granddaughter Payton; and his half-brother, Paul (Leslie) Atterbury and half-sister, Teresa Atterbury-Munson. A private graveside service was held for Leslie on June 18, 2024, at the Olivewood Memorial Park in Riverside, California where he was laid to rest next to his beloved Mother in the Court of Serenity. A Celebration of Life directly followed the service. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Leslie's honor may be made to the American Heart Assocation.  www.heart.org