Richard K. Leeds

1934 - 2021

On Monday, November 8, 2021, Richard Kirkbride Leeds, 87, of Boise, Idaho passed away at home from complications from cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Richard was born September 18, 1934 in Atlantic City, New Jersey to Dorothy Holt Leeds and William Maxwell Leeds. He was the 8th of 9 children. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving in the Korean War. After discharge, he returned to Atlantic City to work for Captain Starn's at the Inlet, helping with summer sailing tours, where he met the love of his life, Patricia, on that sailboat in the summer of 1954. They married in December 1955, while he was serving in the US Air Force. They moved to Germany for a time after that while he was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base near Frankfurt. The US Air Force gave Richard his start in radar and electronics and led him on a career of teaching and project management. After his Air Force service, Richard and Patricia settled in Baltimore, MD and he began a 17- year career with Bendix Corporation. During this same time, Richard went to college at night, earning his bachelor's degree and Executive Master's in Business Administration. While working and going to college, he also became father to Christian and Sarah. In the early 1980s, Richard went to work as the Executive Vice President of Basil Company in Washington, DC, traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East managing various projects. He was an expert negotiator and was rarely happier than when he was making and closing a deal. Richard and Patricia were married for 65 years, living in Baltimore and Arnold, MD for many years; then moving to Idaho in 2003. They traveled extensively over the years and enjoyed many adventures with friends and family. Richard was an avid golfer, enjoying time on many courses and at 19th holes, especially with his siblings Al, Dave, and Helen. He loved to cook, especially seafood; with one of his favorite recipes being oyster stew. He and Patricia enjoyed some raucous times playing pinochle with friends, hiking, enjoying good food, and finding adventures wherever they went. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Bill; and siblings, Charles, Robert, June, Helen, Dottie, David, and Alfred. He is survived by his wife Patricia; his son Christian (Michelle Reedy); his daughter Sarah (Luther Yost); his grandsons, Joshua (Casey), Daniel (Lindsey), Luke, and Patrick; great-grandchildren Dillan, Cheyanne, Landon, and Grayson; and his brother Stephen (Sharon). Richard loved his family immensely and was so proud of his children Chris and Sarah, and his grandsons, Joshua, Daniel, Luke, and Patrick. Spending time with them was one of his greatest joys. Richard had a sparkling personality, a quick wit, and a hugely generous heart. There will be a viewing on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 3pm – 5pm and 7pm – 9pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park, MD 21146. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 20th at 10am at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A followed by burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Baltimore. In lieu of flowers, Richard's family requests that memorial gifts be designated for cancer research at Mayo Clinic Memorials, online at www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Online condolences may be made on www.barrancofuneralhome.com