David J. Leach

Dave, his brother Sam and I were close friends from 1958 (when I moved down the street) until I got married in the 80s. Dave had a collector's sprit and knew the meaning of interesting and valuable. He and I both had museums in out basements as kids and collected maps. In the late 60s, my family planned a vacation to the southwest, and I talked them into letting Dave go along (he and I saw it as a map collecting spree, not a vacation). After they said yes, but before we left, I got a skateboard (the rage at the time). Dave fell off, broke his leg, and couldn't go. I still feel guilty, but I did bring him some maps. Later, Dave took up cooking, and as joke I bought some squid for him to make. The joke came back at me because he not only made it, but I liked it so much that I eat it to this day. I will remember and value Dave for as long as I live. Your very first close friends cannot be replaced. I knew Dave as a Christian, so we can take comfort and rejoice for him.

I had the distinct privilege of working with David at the PA UCSC. He was always full of interesting and fun stories about his hobbies and life. He was so very proud of his relationship with his partner Alan, and was always bragging about him and his accomplishments. I am very sorry for your loss - David was an absolutely wonderful man and I am grateful to have known him.

Dave was a great guy with an amazing knowledge of anything to do with road maps. I live in the UK, and he was one of the first people I ever met who shared my enthusiasm for the maps, and I had the privilege of visiting him twice in Lemoyne/Harrisburg to take a sneak peek at his collection (and some of the creatures in the basement!) He was generous with his trading as well as with his knowledge, and will be sorely missed.

I know you have a map of some type to get you to God's House----rest easy.