Obituary of Landon B. Jefferies

Landon Bell Jeffers 7 December 1943 – 1 September 2016 Landon Bell Jeffers, beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, died on September 1, 2016 at the age of 72 of cardiac arrest, after surviving pancreatic cancer for 14 months. “Ladd,” as he was known by family and friends, was the second child of Mary “Wally” Jeffers and Walter Jeffers of Plandome, NY. He grew up with three siblings and attended Manhasset public schools. He subsequently studied at Mount Hermon School and at Dartmouth College. In 1978, he married Kathleen Murphy, also of Manhasset. Although divorced in 1997, they planned to remarry this month. Ladd is survived by Kathleen, their daughter Julia Jeffers Brown, brother Chris Jeffers, sister Lee Jeffers Brami, four grandchildren: Lawrence, Jonathan, Ella and Alexander Brown, as well as six nieces and nephews: Alexander and Penelope Jeffers, Natalie Jeffers Hansen, Elisabeth Brami, Jon Mangion and Sarah Mangion Foxfire. He was predeceased by his sister Gabrielle Jeffers Mangion. Ladd began his exploration of the world by working in construction in Alberta, in maple syrup-harvesting in Quebec, and in well-drilling in Vermont. Following his passion for mathmatics and the financial markets, he became an equity trader in New York, first and Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, then for several decades at Neuberger and Berman. Ladd was perhaps most widely known for his extracurricular activities. In particular , he indulged his love of singing by participating in various church choirs, including the Congregational church in Manhasset, All Saints Church in Great Neck, Christ Church Oyster Bay, and in the Long Island Choral Society as soloist, chorus member and as president for many years. He was a leader in the Alcoholics Anonymous and Nicotine Anonymous organizations. He made no secret of his personal flaws and persisted in working to correct them. He will be remembered most significantly for using those flaws as incentive to inspire and to be of service to others facing similar challenges. Ladd had abiding love for horticulture, the Latin language, classical music, tennis, travel, driving fast and artfully, and the fellowship shared with family and with his many friends. His strong faith in God, his passion for life, his courage, generosity and great sense of humor will be held forever close in our hearts. Ladd requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to support his oncologist Dr. Howard Bruckner's groundbreaking work on pancreatic and ovarian cancer. Donation can be sent to the MZB Center for Cancer Research c/o Bruckner Oncology, 2330 Eastchester Rd., Bronx, NY 10469 (tax #20-1755003). Write in memo: In honor of Landon Jeffers. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 am at Christ Church, 61 Main St., Oyster Bay, NY 11771. A reception will follow in the church parish hall. WINDS OF WINTER Winds in the darkness of winter begun, Banished colors of autumn and lingering sun. Revealed was the land, cold, cleansed and spare, Scuttled leaves gone abed, and trees now bare. God's little creatures, coats grown lush, Retreated, now trembling, then huddled, they hush. Rustling boughs, dwindling lights, glitt'ring snow Touch night nestling stars - lonely, yet bright. On the longest of nights, rebirth now due, Witness nature uncluttered begin yet anew. Celebrate, o forgetful and once forlorn, Wondrous night long ago when a child was born. Promise to bring, O Herald of Spring: Waxing moon, flowing tide, length,ning day, rising sun! Peal the bells, spirit dance, nature stirs, life's begun! Rise, O wind - breath of the Lord - Change and renewal us to afford. Now rejoice as we sing: let Christmas ring! Landon Jeffers Copyright 1996