Jeffrey E. Leber

Jeffrey Edward Leber, of Manns Choice, died October 13th at his home after a 9 month bout with brain cancer.  He and all his family are grateful to all who cared for him so lovingly during this time.  A wise counselor, a lawyer, a cowboy, a writer, a proud father, a musician, always with a faithful dog at his side or a cat in his lap – Jeff was a warm, compassionate, smart and charming man who fully enjoyed his life.

Jeff was born October 8, 1945 in Harrisburg, PA to Albert and Mary (Kagarise) Leber.  Jeff grew up near Salemville, PA on his family’s 150 acre dairy farm.  He attended Replogle and Northern Bedford schools until 1960 when his family moved to San Mateo California.  Jeff graduated from San Mateo High School in 1963, and subsequently attended San Mateo Junior College, Albright College (PA), Colgate University (NY), and finally Dickenson Law School (PA) in 1972, forging life-long friendships all along the way.

Professionally, Jeff served ably as legal counsel to many citizens in Potter County, and was a successful district attorney for the county from 1982 to 2005.  He returned to Bedford County in 2007 where he continued his private law practice.

Jeff was an accomplished guitarist, playing and singing with the group “Quack Grass”, and would burst into a country or bluegrass tune at the drop of a hat.  He enthusiastically enjoyed the jamming over the years with his many friends.

Jeff loved to travel.  Among his most memorable vacations were the hunting trips with daughter Phoebe, and a voyage to Ireland with daughter Emily. More recently, Jeff’s November 2011 adventure in Colorado with his brother Phil and sister Kathleen left all with wonderful family memories.  Outdoor sports were his passion, particularly deer and elk hunting which he enjoyed with his good buddies from Potter and surrounding counties.  When hiking in Penn’s Woods and the coastal hills of California, fishing in Montana, hunting in the Rockies, the man was clearly in his element.  His uncanny ability to spot wildlife in remote locations was astounding.

Jeff was a member of the Dunnings Creek Friends Meetinghouse where he enjoyed the fellowship with many acquaintances.  He was also active in Progressive politics as well as the Bedford Historical Society, The Elks, Southern Poverty Law Center, Rotary, and The Lions Club.

Jeff is survived by his loving life partner Barbara, two daughters Phoebe Leber, Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Emily Leber Schultz (Steven) of Harpers Ferry, WV, brother Philip (Mary), Akron, OH, sister Kathleen Minor (David) Woodlands, TX, and dear cousin Nancy Gwyn Mathews of San Mateo, CA, several nieces, a nephew, many cousins, and countless friends that will miss him forever.

A memorial service will be held at the Dunnigs Creek Friends Meetinghouse in Fishertown on October 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Salemville Cemetery.  Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Home Nursing Agency  Hospice of Bedford, 227 Hospital Drive Suite # 2, Everett, PA 15537, or Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.