DAVID LEACH

Oct. 1, 1952 - April 18, 2017

With a shock of red hair, a full white beard and the body of a Weeble, children would often call Dave Leach “Santa Claus.” He was jolly and filled with joy. You would always walk away from Dave with a smile. You might be shaking your head and rolling your eyes, but you would be smiling. It was, however, his generous and giving spirit that most resembled that other big red guy. If he could help you in any way – whether it was to lift your furniture or lift your spirits – he was the “go to” man.

Dave was a son, big brother, uncle, partner and friend, but his favorite roles were super dad to his three children and Paw Paw to his four grandchildren.

While working for the state, he was a true G-man – genial, gregarious, goofy, gifted, genuine, gentle giant and all around good guy. A mild-mannered data programmer by day, he was a rock star by night, playing guitar and vocals in local bands since the 1970s, including Shelter, Better Daze, Night Flight, Repeat Offenders, Flatland and Hat Trick.

If there’s a rock ’n’ roll heaven, you know they’ve got one hell of a man.

–Submitted by Tamara Blivins, partner/fiancée