Jeffrey Dean Leach

1952 - 2018

Jeffrey Dean Leach was born in Ozark Camp Rucker, Alabama. After an extended ICU stay at University of Washington Med Center, Jeff, 66, died from heart complications.

Survived by his wife Debbie Chavez Leach, Sequim, sisters Jean (Scott) Ihlenfeld, Milwaukee Jerri (Robert) Greenberg, Chapel Hill NC, brother-in-law Rob Rupnow, Kaneohe HI, many nieces and nephews and his 4 well loved dogs. Preceded in death by his father Jim step father Vic Reinhardt, nephews Frank Dan and Joshua Schmitt. Closely proceeded in death by mother Janet Reinhardt and sister Josie Dan Rupnow.

Jeff was a presidential scholar, a life-long student of American history and an avid Beatles fan. He studied music at Pima College in Tucson where he learned to play alto saxophone, graduated from Charter Oak State College in 2004, holding the school record of 244.5 credits. He served Tucson for 30 years with Tucson Fire, retiring in 2010 at the rank of Captain.

He made his final home with his wife here on the Olympic Peninsula where he could hike, bike, kayak and walk his dogs in the pristine wilderness. With a 6 week Alaska trip in 2015, he met his goal of visiting all 50 states. Member of Sequim Valley Lions, BCA pool league and reading tutor at Greywolf Elementary. He was personal assistant to film maker John Gussman who documented the take down of two dams on the Elwha River. As an active member of The Sierra Club, he was involved in protests of the Atlantic salmon fish pens in our Salish Sea. He lived to hear the news that Governor Inslee signed a bill into law banning the pens. He had an infectious laugh and a twinkle in his eye He lived an amazing life without regrets. He never gave up. He was a remarkable man. A celebration of his life is planned on Friday June 15,2018, 5:00 PM at the VFW in Sequim, where he was President of VFW Auxiliary.

Too many to mention, Jeff was a long term supporter of many social, child education and environmental causes. His parting gift was the donation of his corneas which gave sight to two women who are no longer blind. Continuing his legacy, memorials can be made in his name to St. Joseph's Indian School PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326