Remembering longtime Glen Arbor custodian Leonard Thoreson
Longtime Glen Arbor custodian Leonard Ole Thoreson, passed away on March 15 at age 98. Thoreson was born on November 28, 1926, in Port Oneida (on the Thoreson Farm). As a young boy his father worked the fields with horses until he purchased the Ford Tractor that is on the farm today. A lifelong resident of Leelanau County, Thoreson served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a dedicated member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church.
Click here to read about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore honoring Leonard Thoreson at the August 2016 Port Oneida Fair by giving him a ride in the tractor he had donated to the Park three years prior.
Below is our original story, on the occasion of Thoreson’s celebrated retirement in 2013 from Glen Arbor Township.
By H. Michael Buhler
Sun editor
Glen Arbor’s Town Hall custodian, and lifetime resident, Leonard Thoreson retired on the last day of February (2013), as did the Pope. Pope Benedict retired his red shoes, and Leonard received a snow blower with a red bow.
Leonard was honored with a small party in the Town Hall meeting room, where several residents and Township officials thanked him for his 16 years of service. As he laughed and ate some cake seated next to Rich Quick, he reminded the gathering that the meeting room used to be the lunch room for the Glen Arbor School, and that Rich’s mom, Mary Sheridan, would cook the lunches. “I remember when Rich was an infant in his mother’s arms,” said Leonard. “He’s bigger now.”
Leonard grew up at Port Oneida and attended school there until only a few students remained, and then in fifth grade transferred to the Old School House for the rest of his education. At that time the Town Hall was the gymnasium and cafeteria for the school.
Leonard has maintained the Town Hall since he was 70, but decided that he’s had enough. He will be replaced by contract workers who will clear snow, maintain the grounds, and clean the building. He will now be a custodial “consultant” to the Township, according to an embroidered baseball cap he received.
Accompanied by his ebullient wife Sally, Leonard maintained his quick wit and dry humor. After opening a score of ‘thank you’ cards and gift certificates from residents and business owners, Leonard was told by Treasurer Terry Gretzema that because there will now be a plowing contractor clearing the snow, he was being awarded the snow blower he’s been using for the last decade. “Besides,” quipped Terry, “you’re the only one who knows how to start it.” Without missing a beat, Leonard responded, “Did you pump up that tire?”
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