Herman Leon Obituary

One of the best professors ever! I took his Crisis Intervention class in 1993, and still use his knowledge to this day!

Some of my most treasured early childhood memories are of Herman and Louise and their daughters Becka and Nina in Sunnyside. Joseph came along after I moved away. Honey candies, Swedish pancakes at their kitchen table, kindness and love. The beauty and welcoming in their home has always stayed in my heart.

I just finished reading many papers I wrote for Herman Leon when I got my MSW at KU in the early 90s. His connection with the students there was profound and transformative and I wept when I just read his abundance of deep, authentic and affirming comments from back then. And I just looked him up online to see that he had passed away and, while I want to weep even more, I am comforted and inspired by the impact he had on so many students who no doubt went on to benefit thousands of clients by using what they learned from him. He truly changed us.

I met Herman back in Lawrence KS at KU in one of my BSW classes. I believe he was teaching human diversity. Herman was my uncle Santos professor back in the mid 70's, when he was attending KU. So, we had a little discussion about how great my uncle was/is. I'll always remember Herman playing the song, "beds are burning" by Midnight oil. I thought that was very cool. After class ended, I shared with him that I had the cassette in my backback. We hit it off. As time progressed, he because my mentor. As a few years passed, I again went into the educational arena and enrolled in graduate school for my MSW degree. Once again, I was blessed to have Herman as an instructor at the KC campus site. He was now teaching Crisis Intervention. I had an opportunity of sharing my life story, also a clip from the movie "Heroes" starring Henry Winkler, where he was having a PTSD moment, ending the movie with the song by Kansas, "Carry ON Wayward Son". I'll always remember his compassion and vibrant spirit. All I can to Herman is "Thank you, God bless and Carry on, my friend".

I became a private patient of Herman Leon's in the fall of 1959. I was 11 years old. I met through a connection at the Jewish Board of Guardians and on sa him 2-3 times a week until I was 15 or 16 and then occasionally until he moved to Kansas. Mr. Leon literally saved my life but sadly I never got to thank him. I never spoke to him after he moved to Kansas and always regretted not reaching out. I know he would have been excited to see how my life turned out. I am 74 now and still think of him often. He was the one person who I felt I could truly count on during those years. He changed the course of my life completely.

If any of his children have interest in communicating with me, I would welcome it. I can be reached at [email protected].

I've often thought about Louise and Herman and Becka, Nina, Joey and Cotton. My memories are from 70 years ago and still warm my heart.

Herman advocated for me, mentored me, inspired me and helped me get through KU in the 80s. He enriched my life. I hope that his family knows of the impacted Herman had on so many.

I had the pleasure of the their friendship for many years when living in Lawrence. The love they shared was obvious. They will be missed by the folks that knew and loved them.

I felt right from the start, when I first met "Hermie" at Overland Park Place, where he resided for too short of a time, that there was something very special about him, and only wish I could have gotten to know him better. I am so sadden by his leaving us, I miss his sweet gentle face which could be a day lightener. After reading more about him I now know why I was drawn to him. I sensed in him what I would like to be seen in myself. You have my deepest sorrow.

It is with tremendous sadness that I read of Herman's passing. I had been thinking of him just prior to reading the paper. My late wife Sarah and I met Herman and Louise late in life but immediately fell in love with them. We shared similar journeys and both are missed.

I had the privilege of serving on the LINK Board with both Herman and Louise. They left a lasting impression on social services in Lawrence. Rest in peace, Herman, and know that those of us who still toil in the trenches remember you fondly.

Herman and Louise Leon were the first "clients" I had with Trinity In-home Care, thanks to their son Joe. I could not have made a better choice than to help Herman and Louise with her worsening Parkinson's. While I was only with them from Jul to Sep 2017, I got to know them very well because I had multiple hours and days that I spent with them as a caregiver in their home in Lawrence. There are no words to describe the love that I found with them, and I will always treasure the wonderful memories I have of them and the many days and evenings we spent together. What an interesting brilliant pair they were! We loved so many of the same things, and I was so privileged to be able to help them; it was truly an honor. Just the day before Herman's obituary appeared in the newspaper, I had been talking to my husband about Herman and Louise--and wondering how Herman was doing. I honestly believe that Herman was telling me goodbye. Knowing this one-of-a-kind couple and their family will always be a highlight in my life. I still think of the way Louise said "perfect," and I use her "perFekt" and precise pronunciation to this day. I will remember Herman, in particular, for his voice, the way he said my name, and the evening we spent listening to our favorite, Leonard Cohen. Thank you, Herman, for the time I was able to spend with you and your lovely Louise. My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Leon family whom I was able to meet, including Joe and Lulu, Nina and Kent, Rebecca. I will miss you, Herman, as I continue to miss the love of your life. Godspeed.

I am so sorry for your loss. I was extremely fond of Herman and Louise. Herman had a profound influence on my life. I took several classes from him and he played a large part in why I became a social work professor. He will be dearly missed and I will be forever grateful to have had such a beloved professor.

Both Herman and Louise were Guardian Angels for our family in particular for my brother. What amazing and kind people. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I'm sorry I didn't get to know Herman, just here several months, but what an outstanding person and career. He will be greatly missed I am sure -- Bob Litan

What a wonderful life! We truly enjoyed being neighbors with Herman and Louise for so many years on Manchester Road in Lawrence. What a compassionate, loving couple. Our heartfelt sympathies go with you.