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John Leach Obituary

Leach, John Morris
78, of Goodyear, AZ passed away on December 19, 2015. Born November 1, 1937 on Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas to George Leach and Mabel (Deeter) Leach, John spent his youth in Arkansas and Ohio before his parents moved the family to Florence, AZ in 1952. John completed high school in Florence before attending Arizona State University. While at ASU, he channeled his life-long love of math and science into a teaching degree, and discovered the love of his life, Carole Rooney. John and Carole set deep roots in Goodyear where John began a teaching career that would span over 40 years, the majority of which was at Agua Fria Union High School and later, Estrella Mountain Community College. John also spent time volunteering for the community as a member of the Goodyear City Council and the Tonto Creek Estates board. John and Carole were married for 52 years when she passed in 2012. John is survived by his daughter Colleen Leach of Mountainair, NM, his daughter and son-in-law Erin and Todd Sinclair of Orchard Park, NY, and his son and daughter-in-law John-Scott and Amy Leach of Phoenix, AZ. John is also survived by his sister Tommye Adams of Fort Mohave, AZ, and two brothers Shannon and Richard Leach of Little Rock, AR, and their families. John often expressed his love and appreciation for the congregation at Christ Presbyterian Church in Goodyear. John is remembered as a warm and kind, intelligent and funny, loving and giving man to be admired and respected. A celebration of life service will be announced in the spring to remember a man well loved.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Leach

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Cheryl Margetin, DCN, RD, CDN

February 4, 2023

I am just seeing this announcement about Mr Leach and his passing. I have thought about some of my favorite teachers over years and Mr Leach always came to mind. I was a student assistant in chemistry for Mr Leach in my senior year. He inspired my interest in science and I went on to study nutrition and dietetics and had a long career in healthcare. Condolences albeit belated to his family. I remember him as a very good and favorite teacher.

John Arle

December 25, 2020

5 years? It is hard to believe it has been that long. A couple weeks ago I released the last of my teaching work to a publisher where it will continue to grow and evolve. The decision was bitter sweet and it caused me to reflect upon my 44 years in education and the handful of people that molded the teacher I became. Thank-you, John, for being one of those people. May your spirit always shine as an example to those that carry your legacy.

John Arle

December 25, 2019

Now, a year retired from my teaching career, John is still very much alive in my memories of Agua Fria. We spent hours in his back yard photographing insects from the collection so I could use 35mm slides to teach their taxonomy. That day was nearly forty years ago. We were young and time was without end.

Jason Birss

January 9, 2016

Mr Leach was a great teacher very fun to have in a classroom. Always there to explain what you did wrong on an exam. I had the pleasure of being a student in prep, chemistry, and physics. His facial expressions were the greatest compliment to his humor. Great man and a great teacher prayers to his family and friends.

Tonya Klein-Alvitre

January 9, 2016

I remember Mr. Leach well. He was one of my science teachers in the early 90s. He was tough but incredibly fun and witty. We always had to be attentive and assertive in his class or else he'd find us and make sure we were! I'm saddened to hear of his passing and I'm praying for his family that God gives them comfort. Mr. Leach was a huge part of my life at Agua Fria.

John Arle

January 8, 2016

As my Dept. Chair, I learned a lot from John. His calm guidance provided an environment where we could teach and add to what will forever be, the best years of my teaching career. I'll never forget how he sat in faculty meetings doing crossword puzzles so I brought one, too, only too be caught by the assistant princlple. John just shook his head and said, "do I have to explain everything to you." Thanks, John, for helping me be the teacher I became.

Trena Mastin

January 8, 2016

Mr. Leach was a great teacher. My condolences to the family.

Laurie Nelson-Davis

January 8, 2016

Not only was Mr. Leach my chemistry teacher, I also had the pleasure of working with him at AF for many years. He was a brilliant individual who made chemistry so easy to understand. God Bless.

Gina Coburn - AFUHS Board Member

January 7, 2016

Mr Leach will be remembered as a GT TEACHER who believe that the Love of Learning is All about how you Teach Your Students. He was an Inspiration to ALL his Students. Enjoy being with Our Lord and Savior. Amen!

Patty Rubke

January 7, 2016

I had the pleasure of running into Mr Leach a couple of months ago and had a great visit with him. He was a great teacher and I'm so glad to have talked to him recently.

Michelle W

January 7, 2016

Mr Leach was such a joy to be around and a great encourager. He made me love science more and resulted in a love for teaching too. I am glad to read that he lived a truly blessed life. Prayers for his family!

Jacqueline Kennedy Williams

January 7, 2016

He was an amazing teacher, and I loved the personal poems he'd write in yearbooks. I loved that he really cared about all the kids he taught, and made each and every class interesting.

Sonya Smallwood-Hymes

January 7, 2016

Mr. Leach was a great teacher & a kind man. I remember him very fondly. I'm grateful to have known him.

Tim Wheeler

January 7, 2016

Rest in peace Mr. Leach. Thank you for all the help that you gave me my senior year at Agua Fria. You showed me that I was making things more difficult than they really were and you gave me confidence that I could actually do what was necessary to pass and graduate. I will never forget you. You were my favorite teacher 1978 - 1979.

Ernest Carson

January 7, 2016

Mr. Leach helped kindle my interest in chemistry. He touched many.

Livier Goins

January 7, 2016

Mr. Leach will be remembered always as a great teacher with a lot to give. He encouraged me to do more than I thought I was able to, and learn and lead others with his guidance. He was one of those people that are put in your life to make a difference, and he certainly did in mine.

Francis Caro

January 7, 2016

My years attending Agua Fria were the best with wonderful teachers like Mr. Leach. Always passed him in the hallways with a Hello and a smile. We that all attended Agua Fria were truly blessed with Mr. Leach and those that have gone ahead of him. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE Mr. Leach.

Mike Benitez

January 7, 2016

Mr. Leach was a great teacher and lots of fun in the classroom. He was also my homey. We lived a couple of blocks from each other. My childhood neighborhood was a great place to grow up, and it was because of neighbors like him.

January 7, 2016

Awesome teacher! Prayers for his family!

January 7, 2016

Mr Leach was a favorite teacher for me. I loved his sharp sense of humor and intelligence.

Patty Purcell Haydis

January 6, 2016

Mr Leach definitely lit a science/math spark in me that is still there today. He was a great teacher and a kind person. When I think of my 4 years at AFUHS, Mr. Leach always comes to mind and puts a smile on my face. He will be missed.

Michael Buben

January 6, 2016

Mr Leach gave me my start! My interest grew from his passion if science and continues today!
Till we meet again!

Andrea " Andy" MILLSPAUGH

January 6, 2016

Mr. Leach was a favorite teacher to many an Owl. He had a gift and passion for teaching that inspired many, was the reason college chem was pursued (or passed), and enjoyed. I am grateful to have been one of his students -- Mr. Leach, thank you for being one of the best!!!

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