Leo Arthur Beardsley, of Havre Montana, 72, died in Havre on December 16, 2016 of bladder cancer.

Leo was born in Allegan, Michigan on December 19, 1943 to the late Warren and Clara Beardsley. He graduated from Cedar Lake Academy, received his bachelor's degree from Andrews University, and his master's degree from Montana State University. Leo began his Montana adventure moving west at the age of 25 with his new bride. He spent over 25 years educating the youth of the State, with particular dedication to public elementary education.

Leo had numerous personal interests. He was an avid hunter and trapper, hiker, camper, gardener, singer-songwriter, poet, pilot, woodworker, grandfather, one of the early members of the Bullhook Bottoms Barbershop Chorus, and an Elder of the Havre Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sally Beardsley of Havre; his son Kipling Beardsley and his husband Matthew Nelson of New York City, New York; his daughter Shelly Harris and grandchildren Logan and Ryleah Harris of Kalispell, Montana; his sister Nancy Beardsley of Valley Center, California; brother Jerry Beardsley of Havre, Montana; and numerous hunting and trapping buddies, friends, colleagues, and students.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alberta Beardsley.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Leo's honor to a scholarship supporting elementary teacher tuition at Montana State University - The Leo Beardsley Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 172750, Bozeman MT 59717, msuaf.org/give; or The Nature Conservancy. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Leo's online memorial page at www.hollandbonine.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.