Dr. Steven Thomas Leask age 66 of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed away November 1, 2016 in
El Paso, Texas. Steven was born in Ketchikan, Alaska to Wallace and Marcella Leask on June 1, 1950.
He was married to Elizabeth (Libby) J. Goodwin on May 10, 1985 in Reno, Nevada.

Steve was a US Army veteran and served as a helicopter pilot in Korea, Vietnam and Alaska as Chief Warrant Officer. He earned several military awards including the Air Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Steve graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology.
He earned his Master's and Doctorate degree from New Mexico State University in Educational Administration in 2003. He worked for New Mexico State University since 1997 with his most recent position as manager of Academic Technology.

Steve was proceeded in death by his brother Gerald Leask and parents Wallace and Marcella Leask.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Leask, sons Jacob Leask and Brandon Leask (Tammy), daughter Michelle Risley (Kevin) and sisters Cathie Harrison, Janie Leask (Don Reed), Connie Lambert (Larry), nine grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

At his request cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are with La Paz- Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces, NM 88001. To sign the local online guest book visit www.LaPaz-Grahams.com

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

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Nov. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Leask

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10 Entries

Steve Vermillion

February 24, 2025

Sorry to see that Steve passed at a young age. He and I played baseball together in Alaska. Our fathers were air traffic controllers in Anchorage. He and Ron Burkevich joined the Army together, both were in the same Red Hat flight that I was at Fort Wolters but one class cycle behind. Saw Ron in Vietnam, never ran across Steve in my military travels. It appears he did well for himself.

bruce paul volk

November 4, 2019

will see you bother on that day when Jesus comes back I Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18 AMEN!!

Cay (Means) Shoemake

January 27, 2017

Prayers for peace for Steve's family. I met Steve at Wendler Jr High in the 1960's but I haven't seen him in many years. I remember him as a handsome fun loving friend.

Beth Baber/Stewart

November 15, 2016

We met at Airport Heights Elementary in 6th grade. Both our Dads were FAA. All through the years at Wendler and East I don't remember him ever being mean spirited or even unkind, which isn't an easy thing find. My thoughts are with his family.

Bruce Ernst

November 15, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to Steve's family.

I met Steve when we worked together on NMSU's on-line learning software. Right away, Steve came across as warm and friendly, the type of person that makes one feel that they are talking to an old friend, even if they have just met.

After the software was moved off-site, I longer attended meetings with Steve, and only saw him around campus, but he was always as friendly as ever.

Every person I talked to about Steve saw him in the same light. He will be missed.

bruce volk

November 14, 2016

went to East with him, praying to see him again when Jesus comes!

Chris Daniels

November 14, 2016

So sorry for your loss, Brandon & Jake. I know what a big influence your dad had on your lives. His passing leaves a hole that you will fill with warm memories.

Norma Grijalva

November 14, 2016

I want offer my condolences to Libby and his family.

I am in still in shock over Steve's passing. I worked with Steve for almost 20 years. He loved life. He loved his wife Libby and his family. He often talked about hikes, remodeling his house and other activities. My favorite was his plan to sit on the patio and drink a beer enjoy the sunset and have a conversation with Libby.

He was always a direct get the job done kind of person, but never forgot it was about the students. Steve was instrumental in bringing and supporting the learning management system at NMSU. He positively impacted so many people.

He will be greatly missed.

Norma

Butch Shearer

November 14, 2016

So sorry to hear of his passing. It's been along time since I seen Steve. The last time was maybe 10 years ago. We we saw each other we both laughed and hugged like it was just yesterday we seen each other. Back in the day whe we were young he and his family would show up in Metlakatla. During those visits we held our wrestling matches, and picnics. Great memories. You will be missed Steve.

Niki Mott

November 13, 2016

Steve was always a cheerful bright spot for those of us who were panicked and intimidated by technology and needed a problem solved - fast. His smile was enduring and comforting. His commitment to NMSU and advancing its technology capabilities and knowledge were admirable. Few of us knew about his military service. The fact that he was honored for it and seemed unscathed by the horrific situations he was probably in is admirable. We miss him.

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