Jeffrey D. Leitch

Jeffrey D. Leitch joined us in life on August 7th, 1975 equipped with a hockey stick, roller blades, & a wholesome smile. Over forty-eight years, he became affectionately known as Uncle Jeffy, an encyclopedic chemist, & a devotee of Hockeytown. On November 6th, 2023, he returned to his Father in Heaven.
Throughout his life, he captured candid photographs of everything from family gatherings to the many angles of nature. Subjects ranged from nephews dressed as cowboys to a calm squirrel munching an acorn in Independence Oaks. We imagine him snapping pictures in Paradise now.
Here on Earth to remember him and wear his signed Red Wings jerseys with pride are his sister Cheryl Engnell (Leitch), his brother-in-law Erik Engnell, and his four nieces & nephews for whom he was a childhood hero: Angela Engnell, Anders Engnell, Arianna Engnell, and David Engnell. Many cousins, friends, colleagues, and fellow members of the Red Wings community cherish his memory, as well.
Jeff nurtured an intimate circle of loved ones. When you were within his orbit, he thought of you, constantly. You knew because he'd send weekly, if not daily, notes & emails on the things that interested you. Tidbits on restaurants opening nearby. Updates on your sports teams, good or bad. Facts & news on the cities in which you were living.
His stream of emails gently read, "I'm thinking of you. You matter to me."
We're thinking of you, Jeff. You mattered to us.
His father & fellow Hockeytown fan John Leitch preceded him in passing in 2019, as did his doting mother Barbara Leitch in 1995. All deeply loved their family and showed it through thoughtful gifts and subtly competitive games of Phase 10 after holiday dinners.
A memorial service in Jeff's honor will be held on Saturday, November 11th at 2pm in the Pine Grove Pavilion of Independence Oaks, one of his favorite parks for walks & photography. Please join us outfitted in a Wings jersey or red & white in his memory.