Rudolph Leigh Jr. 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2008, at his home. Rudy was born July 30, 1930, in Walton on the family farm on Route 206. He was the son of Rudolph Leigh Sr., and Jessie Northrup Leigh. After attending Walton schools, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1948 and trained at the Mine Warfare School in Yorktown, Virginia. He served on the repair ship, U.S.S. Briareus, and was honorably discharged as Photographer's Mate First Class in 1955.

In 1958 he attended Police academy and was assigned to the Beerston Precinct, NYC Board of Water Supply Police. He retired in 1985 after serving the City of New York for 27 years.

He married the former Irma Smith on August 27, 1950, in the Walton United Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Irma, four daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy Leigh and Sayeed Rahman of Herndon, Virginia; Dottie Leigh of Whitehall, Pennsylvania; Kathy and Jim Kerns of Naperville, Illinois; and Teri Stratford of Walton; six grandchildren, Cory Rahman, Matthew Stratford, Raymond and Kayla Baldi, and Kristine and James Kerns, II.

Rudy was a published photographer, constructed buildings on his property, enjoyed hunting and fishing, played golf, and practiced archery. His guitar provided many hours of music. He built and flew radio controlled model airplanes. He loved animals--especially horses--and raised and trained ponies for show. In later years he was an avid fan of horse racing.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday evening, November 21, 2008 from 6 to 8 PM at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton. Memorial services will take place at 10 AM Saturday at the United Presbyterian Church, 58 East Street, Walton with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays, officiating. Interment will be in Walton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the United Presbyterian Church, or the American Heart Association.