LEITCH, Robert Edward, of Richmond, died July 6, 2008 at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Adele Pitt Leitch, who died in 2001. He is survived by his daughter and two sons, Anne Taylor Leitch Moorman and her husband, George, Robert E. Leitch Jr. and his wife, Pat, and John T. Leitch and his wife, Eliza. He is also survived by five grand-children, Taylor Moorman and his wife, Katie, Elizabeth Leitch, Katharine Leitch, Corbin Leitch and Anne Peyton Leitch; as well as his sister-in-law, Anne Pitt Paul Sinnott. Bobby Leitch, a native of Richmond, graduated from the McGuire University School and then the University of Richmond in 1939. He served UofR in many capacities, including service on its Board of Trustees. He was inducted into the University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He served his country as a Navy rescue pilot during World War II. In 1947 he joined Bottled Gas Corporation of Virginia, serving as district manager in Fredericksburg until 1954, when he returned to Richmond. He was President of Bottled Gas, which became Commonwealth Propane, from 1974 until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Leitch was a director of Commonwealth Natural Resources. He served on the Board of Security Federal Savings and Loan. He served as President of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and as a Board member and then Chairman of the Metro Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Leitch was President of Sales and Marketing Executives, Chairman of the Better Business Bureau, the first Chairman of Leadership Metro Richmond, board member and Chairman of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and on the Boards of the Children's Home Society and Christian Children's Fund. He won over 75 tennis tournament titles from 1936 to 1984, including the Richmond City Men's Singles Championship five times. Mr. Leitch served as President of the Richmond Tennis Association and was inducted into its Capital Area Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame. He was a member and past President of The Country Club of Virginia. He was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where he had served on the Vestry. The family would like to express its gratitude to Mr. Leitch's caregivers. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave., Richmond, Va. 23226.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To The Family
We were sorry to learn of the death
of your father. My husband and I both had the pleasure of working with him at Bottled Gas Corporation.
He was indeed a wonderful man. Our
thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gloria & Jerry Smith
July 15, 2008 | Ridge Manor, FL
Rob, John and family,
I am sorry to hear about your Dad. Remember the fun and good times and know that you will meet again in heaven.
BJ
BJ Moss
July 13, 2008 | Richmond, VA
Dearest Cousins;
I was truly saddened to hear of your dad's passing. I always enjoyed my visits with my Aunt Adele and Uncle Bobby. They were my ideal of the gracious southern couple.
Love...Cousin Sandy
Sandy Leitch Bradford
July 09, 2008 | Norco, LA
John
I'm so sorry to read about your dad this morning. He was always a real gentleman to me and I know you'll dearly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Ned Netherwood
July 08, 2008 | Mechanicsville, VA
Sons of Bobby Leitch: I had the pleasure of knowing your father through tennis. He was a very fine man. I also am one of his victims in doubles in 1974 Briarwood Member-Guest Senior tourney. Even then he hit a great topspin! My sympathy to your family, whose father was cause for much pride.
Leslie Robinson
July 08, 2008 | Palm Harbor, FL
Rob and John, we are so sorry to hear of your dad's death. We know how difficult a time this is for everyone. Just remember that his was a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Terry Hood
July 08, 2008 | Richmond, VA
Ann Taylor, Rob, John and to the rest of the family, I send my deepest condolances for the loss of your dad. Carrie sent me an email yesterday.I know he meant a great deal to each of you in different ways and will be sorely missed. I'd love to be there at the service, but I'll be out of town on business. Not only have you all lost a dear man, but the city of Richmond has lost a great leader. Take care.
Kip Arnall
July 08, 2008 | Lawrenceville, GA
