Orman (Skip) E. Leighton, III

SHOKAN….Orman (Skip) E. Leighton, III,  DVM, 73, of Onteora Court died Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.  Born August 28, 1948 in Kingston he was the son of the late Orman and Elaine Leighton. 

            He was an Eagle Scout with one palm with Troop 138. A veteran of the US Army, he served during the Vietnam War and taught English to Vietnamese children at Tinh Hat School in Pleiku.  He was awarded a Bronze Star and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. He was a graduate of the University of Arizona and Gregorio Araneta University in the Philippines with his degree in Veterinary Science.  He returned to his home of Ulster County where he owned and operated South Peak Veterinary Hospital in Woodstock for over 20 years. He served as board President for the Animal Emergency Clinic of the Hudson Valley, was Coordinator of Continuing Education for the Hudson Valley Veterinary Medical Society and was an honor roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

            He was an avid gardener, musician, outdoorsman, cyclist, completing two century rides, and had a love for sailing. 

            Survivors include his partner, Laura Van Vlack of Woodstock, a daughter, Melissa Leighton of Des Moines, IA, two sons, Benjamin Leighton of West Palm Beach, FL and Avery Leighton of Boston, MA. A brother, Bruce (Kate) Leighton of Saugerties, a sister, Dawn (Bob) Greer of Saugerties, nephews Michael, Thomas and John Leighton, nieces Samantha and Jody Greer, and many other extended family members in the U.S. and Philippines. He was predeceased by his wife, Cecilia in 2004.

            His Funeral Procession will form 10:15 AM Monday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties thence to St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in West Hurley where an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be offered.  Friends will be received Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hudson Valley Hospice or Guiding Eyes for the Blind is appreciated. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com.

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