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Leger, Richard "Dick"
did not stand still. In the past 12 months, he skied Telluride, Lake Tahoe and Termas de Chilan in Chile. His 80th birthday party brought police asking him to turn down the volume (he didn't). He drove to Houston to see his first great-grandchild, attended a wedding in Jamaica and returned to Houston for Christmas (this time by air). It was the capstone of an amazing life that ended Jan. 15. Dick - Poppy to his grandkids -- was born April 30, 1932, the youngest of 15 children raised on a small San Miguel County, N.M., ranch. His father died when Dick was 7. Two years later, with the older boys fighting World War II, the family moved to Las Vegas, N.M. Dick
earned an engineering degree at New Mexico State University, where he also found a wife, MaryLu. Their first date was on her 16th birthday, and they remained a team for nearly 60 years. After four years as an Air Force pilot, Dick returned to Las Cruces. He worked at White Sands Missile Range, then joined a computer-sales company. He and fellow salesmen bought the company as it neared bankruptcy; under their leadership it won national recognition. He continued to fly a single-engine plane and was a life member of the Commemorative Air Force. The couple raised three children, helped start the community theater, cheered the NMSU basketball team to the Final Four. He won the title of Mesilla Valley Chile King, and was usually the first one up, cooking breakfast, when he visited family and friends. In 1986, Dick moved his office to Scottsdale, continuing to run the company into his 70s. After retirement, he sold furniture, light bulbs and the Spanish Yellow Pages. He became a mystery shopper, and in 2008 was named the national "Go To" shopper of the year. He excelled at spoiling his six grandchildren. He golfed at every opportunity, and skied on three continents. But there is more to life than a resume. An eternal optimist who found the good in everyone, Dick lived life as it is meant to be. Liver cancer was only a distraction. Appointments were scheduled around his trips, not the other way around. No obstacle was insurmountable: whether being rolled over by a horse as a child or falling off a truck in his 70s. And there were no strangers. Share a drink in a bar, a ride on a ski lift or a chance pairing on a golf course, and you were his friend. That characteristic made him a great salesman and a better person. His final days were filled with visits and laughter at his quips. He was a consummate volunteer, supporting Make A Wish, Improving Chandler Area Neighborhoods, The Centers for Habilitation and many other charities. After MaryLu died, he took on her role as a tutor and pencil pal.
Family was his first love, and he was wrapped in their love in his final days.
Dick is survived by his children, Robert (Cindy) of Fountain Hills, LeighAnn Melancon of Clovis, N.M, and Kevin (LeNetta) of Chandler; grandchildren Sarah Gruba (Chris and their daughter, Miah) of Houston, Stephanie Sehorn of Dallas, Brent and Phillip of Chandler and Andrew and Joshua of Fountain Hills, two brothers and two sisters. Dick's ashes will be mixed with MaryLu's and spread on his family's ancestral property in Lourdes, N.M. Family and friends will gather at his home Tuesday afternoon to celebrate his life. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley or The Centers for Habilitation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
In a very short time, he mentored me about my business, taught me about the importance of family and showed me we are only as old as we think we are! Remembering Richard Leger this day, along with his family.
Kym Pasqualini
Friend
January 14, 2020
Uncle Richard was a First Class kind of man... We enjoyed visiting him and Aunt Mary Lu over the years and always had such fun times. He was the best Chef ever, the best Rellanos, best chile. There is so much sadness with losing both of them. God Bless You Always. Thank you for your kindness and love.
Mary Anne (Blondie) Anaya
February 11, 2013
Uncle Richard was absolutely a man of his word. He was so kind to everyone. He even made the trip to come to Dominique's graduation last year. He and Aunt May Lu will be forever missed but now they are together again. Love to you all, Cheri Anaya, Dominique and Victoria
cheri anaya
February 6, 2013
FAMILY I WILL ALWAYS MISS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS.I KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS
January 29, 2013
Family Leger,
God bless all of you for sharing your great home and illustrious lives on Parker Road with your Las Cruces friends. We're all the better for having known you; until we meet again, then...
January 23, 2013
I'm thankful to have known him, danced with him, sing with him and to have received many hugs from him. He touched my heart like no other.
Jodi
January 22, 2013
Dick taught me how to conduct business, how to carry myself with class and how to live life to its fullest. He was my mentor and I will never forget him! There will never be another like him!
Reverend Camille Pentsil
January 21, 2013
I offer my sincere condolences to Richard's family and hold all of you in thought and prayer.
Kym L Pasqualini
January 21, 2013
I am sad to hear this news today. I worked for Dick years ago but still talked about him all the time. Dick was a great man. I was fortunate to know him.
Tammy Fogle Hendricks
January 20, 2013
Dear Leger Family,
We remember your father and mother with love and respect. It was a pleasure to work with Mary Lu in theatre productions and to know your always kind, thoughtful and suave father. They were a dignifed and lovely couple.
Our condolences,
Denise Chávez
Daniel Zolinsky
January 20, 2013
Dick was an amazing individual who always shared his time and wisdom with those of us in the College of Engineering. He will be missed by many alumni, friends and faculty here at NMSU.
College of Engineering
New Mexico State University
Patricia Sullivan
January 20, 2013
I *bow* my head in honor of a man who touched my life, who mentored me with his wisdom and inspired with his optimism. A man who never gave up Hope!
Kym Pasqualini
January 19, 2013
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