Benjamin Watkins Leigh

"A native of Monroe, LA and a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, LA, he passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the age of 85. Ben was a Mechanical Engineer who worked for a variety of industry throughout the years. His passion was sailboats and sailing, often pushing the limits of himself and others. He enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator often using it during natural disasters when phones, television, and radio stations were not in operation as a public service. He will be greatly missed. Ben is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen White Leigh of Baton Rouge; daughters, Brenda Leigh Loyd and Elizabeth Leigh, both of Baton Rouge; sons, Benjamin W. Leigh of Virginia Beach, VA, Keith A. Leigh of Columbus, GA, Kevin A. Leigh of Arnaudville, LA, and Jason R. Leigh of Cape Town, South Africa; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Cynthia Fuller Soto of Austin, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marjorie Leigh; sons, William Marshall Leigh and Thomas Edmund Leigh; and sister, Elizabeth Marshall Leigh. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home (825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the funeral home from 8:30 AM until the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Benjamin W. Leigh, Kevin A. Leigh, Ishfaq M. Kanth, Robert Q. Loyd, Keith A. Leigh, Jason R. Leigh, Christopher A. Leigh, and Stuart J. Leigh. Memorial donations in Ben's name may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge.