SCARBOROUGH — Leonard K. Libby, 84, passed away on April 12, 2012, at the Maine Medical Center, after a brief illness. He died one day before his 85th birthday.

The son of Chester and Myrtle (Gamby) Libby, Leonard was born in Medford, Mass. on April 13, 1927. He later moved to Scarborough with his family. He attended Scarborough High School, leaving to become a Navy cook during World War II. Upon his discharge, he returned home to start a candy business with his father, Libby’s Candies, which was located for 16 years on Route 1 in Scarborough. He met his future bride, Lorraine (Cook) Libby, when they hired her mother to hand-dip chocolates. Closing the store upon his father’s retirement, he spent a period of time working for New York Life as an insurance salesman. Len then became a salesman for the Superior Nut Company in Cambridge, Mass., until his retirement.

Len was well known in the Town of Scarborough for his charitable and community work. He was a founding member of the Scarborough Rescue Squad, serving as an emergency medical technician for 22 years, and at the time of his death, was a member of the Scarborough Fire Police. (The morning he was hospitalized, he started his day at 5 a.m. by directing traffic at an accident.)

He was a member of the Scarborough Lions Club for 59 years, working in many capacities to raise money for the purchase of the first thermal imaging device for the Fire Department as well as the acquisition of two rescue vehicles. In 1989, he was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award, the highest honor granted in Lionism, and the Town of Scarborough proclaimed Jan. 16, 2003 to be Lion Leonard K. Libby Day, in honor of his achievements.

A man of sincere faith, he was a member of the First Congregational Church for 50 years, and at the time of his death was a member of the West Scarborough United Methodist Church. He was always highly involved in church activities, whether it was chairing a bean supper, leading a youth group, working on almost every standing committee, or singing bass (albeit reluctantly) in the church choir. He was particularly proud of being part of the inter-denominational committee that brought the Rev. Billy Graham and his crusade to Portland in the 1970s.

He loved, in no particular order, Mel Torme, musical theater, the Portland Sea Dogs (he and Lorraine held season's tickets for many years), clamming at Winnock’s Neck, and making the best peanut brittle in the state of Maine every year at Christmas.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine of Scarborough, to whom he was married for 62 years; his children, Leslie Chadbourne of Portland and Lisa Knight of Raymond; his two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, April 17, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. The funeral service followed, and a reception was held immediately following the service. There will be a private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Len’s memory to: The Scarborough Lions Club, PO Box 644, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to a charity of one’s choice.