Donald Sidney Leach

Donald Sidney Leach was born March 27, 1931 in Portland, Oregon to Sidney Henry Leach and Mary Ann (Gudge) Leach. He grew up on his parents’ small farm, helping milk cows and mowing hay. His early education was in a 2-room schoolhouse on Sunnyside Road near Clackamas, Oregon. 

Don met his wife, Joanne (Heady) Leach while in college at Vanport by offering to drive her home so she didn’t have to wait for the bus. He continued his education at Oregon State University, getting his degree in Agricultural Engineering, while Joanne went into nurse’s training. They were married on July 20, 1955. Don began working for the US Dept of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist, beginning in Hermiston OR, then transferring to McMinnville OR, Clatskanie OR, Silverton OR, and finally Astoria OR, where he lived for 50 years before moving to Hillsboro.

He enjoyed rock hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He spent many enjoyable hours cutting, polishing and creating jewelry, belt buckles, book ends, and many more beautiful things from the rocks he collected. 

After he retired, he continued to use his expertise by helping the local diking district maintain the dike on the Lewis & Clark River near his home.

He is survived by Joanne, his wife of 69 years, and his children Donald Leach, Virginia (Leach) Mickelson, and Thomas Leach. 

He died the morning of December 24th, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at the River House at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro on Friday March 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm.