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WELLS ME Walter H. Leffler, 84, a resident of Wells died peacefully in his sleep Thursday, January 5, 2017 at his residence.

Walt, as he was known to his friends, was born July 19, 1932 in New Rochelle, NY, the son of William John and Marjorie Ballin Leffler Sr, and attended New York Schools. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree, attending Dartmouth College, where he was part of the Swim Team, and was an alternate for the 1956 Olympic Swim team, and New York University, and earned his masters from Iona.

Working as a chemical and mechanical engineer, he worked to design bottling production lines for Clairol and Pepsi Cola Co, and then joined Cornell Medical Center in New York as an administrator. Retiring in the early 1990’s, he and his wife Sandy built their retirement home in Wells, in the State where Walt had be visiting with his family since childhood.

Active in the community, Walt volunteered at the Wells Public Library, where he was a longtime board member and avid supporter of its expansion, a project he has worked tirelessly on. Working with Southern Maine Health Center, he performed safety inspections at its many facilities throughout York County. He was a member of Laudholm Farm, the Wells Historical Society, leading the effort to rehabilitate its building and steeple, and was an active member of Wells Rotary Club, receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship and greeting members each morning as part of the morning set up crew.

Walt’s volunteer work was acknowledged by the State of Maine, when he was the Recipient of the Governor's Service Award 2005 for Volunteer of the year and in 1998,
He received Man of the Year from the Wells & Ogunquit historical society.
Walt dealt with Type 1 Diabetes for 60 years, and at the 50 year mark, received a commendation from the Joselyn Diabetes Center, as fewer than 2000 people worldwide are part of this “Elite Club”, and he was proud that in his view, “he mastered his diabetes, it didn’t master him”
Walt is predeceased by the love of his life, Suzanne (Sandy) Hinck Leffler.
Survivors include his children Walter Leffler Jr of Martinsville, NJ, and Nancy Mikulich of Asbury Park, NJ, a brother William Leffler Jr of Kennebunkport, and Grandchildren Valentina and Natasha Mikulich.
A Celebration of Walter’s life will be held 2 PM Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd. Wells, with Cantor Ellen Farber – Lebowitz officiating.
Memorial Contributions are encouraged to the Wells Rotary Club, PO Box 203, Wells ME. 04090 to be directed towards its literacy programs.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Walters Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com