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Thomas Leach Obituary
Dr. Leach attended Mission Dolores and St. James Elementary Schools '61, St. Ignatius High '65, University of San Francisco '69, and Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, where he earned his MD in '73. He completed an Anesthesiology residency at UCSF and then served from 1977 until his retirement in 2012 as a member of the Anesthesiologists Medical Group of San Francisco, practicing in the City at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Tom ministered to his patients and their families with compassion, care and expertise throughout his career. He particularly appreciated his volunteer opportunities in Palau, Islands of Micronesia, and the Philippines where he assisted in reconstructive surgeries, especially those healing facial deformities and cleft palates, bringing joy to young patients relieved of the suffering associated with their appearance.
Dr. Leach was a parishioner of St. Stephen Catholic Church, SF, and active in the school life of St. Brendan, SF, where his children were educated and his wife Karen has taught Kindergarten since 1997. He was an avid reader, enjoyed sports, and took pleasure in hunting and fishing resulting from his time in Nebraska. He loved family travel and cherished memories of these varied trips by chronicling his adventures in words, photos and movies.
Tom was a good man, a friend to many ("Da Bears" softball team), a trusted professional resource and someone who unfailingly went "above and beyond" in his service to family, friends and patients. He was blessed with many lifelong friendships and his loss is profoundly felt.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, on Sunday, November 4th between the hours of 3pm and 6pm. Prayer Service will commence at 4pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 5th at 10:30am, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 451 Eucalyptus Dr., SF. Private Committal, Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions preferred to Dominican Sisters of Mission San José, Little Children's Aid or Catholic Charities.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Leach
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
N. Thomas Ahlberg
October 21, 2019
Dear Karen and family, a year has past and yet it seems that Tom left us so recently. Here at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, where Tom spent so many years, to this day whenever someone mentions Toms name it never fails to bring out the smiles and fond memories. We all imagine that impish smile of his, and wonder what might have come next.
Dennis Martin
April 26, 2019
Dear Karen and family,
Both Gillian and I were so saddened to learn of Tom's passing in Creighton's newsletter. He was one of the first classmates I met as a freshman medical student and I shall always remember as a kind, compassionate man with a great sense of humor. Although we didn't keep in touch I feel honored to have known him. Dennis and Gillian Martin
Jim Cook
November 8, 2018
Dear Karen and family:
So sorry to just now hear about Tom. Sending my sincerest prayers that you will be comforted in knowing he's in a better place. So many found memories of Tom in his service to the St Stephen community. I genuinely enjoyed talking to y'all and admired your commitment to family and faith.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
November 6, 2018
Dear Karen and family,
My family and I express our deepest condolences upon Tom's passing. I only met him a few times but knew that he was a warm, nice man and a good husband and father. We hope that the wonderful thoughts expressed by your mutual friends bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Most sincerely,
Rosanna Russell and family
Annika and Bengt Gustafsson
November 3, 2018
Dear Karen and family,
Just been informed through my mother ( Viena) about Dr. Leachs passing.
Dr. Leach has always been kind and very supportive through the years. He made our wedding celebration complete by fixing a church St. Finn Barrs and a priest, Father Leach 29 years ago and a great honeymoon up at you house in Napa.
It seemed to be whenever we met at St. Francis, he would say Take a trip to Napa! Here are the keys!.
Thank you, Dr. Leach for your warmth and sincere friendship to our family, especially my mother.
Dr Leach (never Tom) will always have a special place in our hearts.
Our condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Robert Kanner
November 2, 2018
Dear Karen and family:
So sorry for your loss. Just learned of Tom's passing. It was an honor and pleasure knowing him as a medical school classmate of his at Creighton.
Dr Robert Kanner
Connie D'Aura
October 31, 2018
Condolences to Karen and the entire family. May God's blessings comfort you all.
Bob Doherty
October 30, 2018
Dear Karen and family,
Tom was always that special friend . We first met at St James and then moved on to Saint Ignatius and later to USF. While at St James, we often walked home with some classmates and played with the other kids who lived near 21st and Dolores. Tom's grandmother's house on 21st was the coolest place to hang out. When my mom died the summer before 8th grade, Tom and his parents were there for me. Tom was not only the role model my Dad encouraged me to spend time with, he was also one of the smartest guys I knew; which meant he was in the Honors class at SI - but while I was not, we remained close. In our Junior year he introduced me to Lauren Windham with whom I will soon be celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary. He gave me pointers on how to dance and then we took dates to the prom, At USF we pursued different majors but stayed in touch. After college we went our separate ways, but we did attend some reunions (St James and SI.) and always caught up with each other. I last talked to Tom in 2017 when he called because he saw the obituary for Lauren's twin brother Larry. We had a long talk reminiscing about our youth and talked about getting together again. Now that will have to wait for the big reunion in the hereafter. Tom has gone ahead, but I remember the happy times we shared, and he will alway be with me in spirit.
Bob Doherty
St James Reunion April 24, 2010
Bob & Lauren Doherty
October 29, 2018
October 29, 2018
Karen. It has been too many years since we have spoken, but my wife and I extend our sympathy for your loss to you and your family. Although I didn't know Tom, his and your connection and ours to the Jesuit Community remains a memory that should give you lasting comfort. His path in life with SI, USF, Creighton, and involvement in helping provide the needs of Cleft Palate patient's speaks a lot of who he was as a person, Husband, Father, and Physician. Dr. and Mrs. John Kirby Hillsborough, California
October 29, 2018
Dear Karen and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing and send you our love and prayers. Our most sincere condolences to you.
The Cunningham Family Jim, Maria, Garrett and Dylan
Demetrio Jayme
October 29, 2018
As a classmate of Dr. Leach , class of '65 - Saint Ignatius High School, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to your family. Rest In Peace Tom. Jayme.
N. Thomas Ahlberg
October 28, 2018
Dear Karen, Tommy, Stephen & Zara, Christine and families,
Stephanie and I feel a deep sense of sorrow for the loss of your dear husband, dear father, dear father in law, dear brother and dear friend.
Tom meant so much to so many of us.
When I first met Tom 35 years ago, during a job interview, any stress I might have felt rapidly dissipated when Tom had me laughing within minutes.
As partners for 30 years we shared many more laughs. The same was true for the whole extended St. Francis Memorial Hospital family. We have lost a good doctor and a good friend.
We all miss him dearly.
Tom & Stephanie Ahlberg
October 28, 2018
Dear Karen, Tommy, Stephen & Zara, Christine and families,
Stephanie and I feel a deep sense of sorrow for the loss of your dear husband, dear father, dear father in law, dear brother and dear friend.
Tom meant so much to so many of us.
When I first met Tom, 35 years ago during a job interview, any stress I might have felt rapidly dissipated when Tom had me laughing within minutes.
As partners for 30 years we shared many more laughs. The same was true for the whole St. Francis Memorial Hospital family.
We all miss him dearly.
Tom & Stephanie Ahlberg
Mary and Peter Schembri
October 27, 2018
Dear Karen, Thomas, Stephen, Zara and Christine,
Pete and I have so many fun memories of Tom as our friend with a wonderful and witty sense of humor--often the last to leave the party--but the time with him was special. As a Physician he took care of my Mother and my daughter, and clearly went above and beyond for his patients, following up and concerned about their recovery. He was a brilliant doctor.
I am so sorry that God took him so soon. It is with deep sadness and love for Tom and all of you that we send our condolences and prayers for you all.
Sharon Ghilardi-Udovich
October 27, 2018
Dear Karen and Family I am so sorry to read of Tom's passing. Tom was the best. It was such fun to reconnect when he became one of my Residents at UCSF. Our family connection went back so many years. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you.
Jack D'Angelo
October 26, 2018
Tom, a man of dedication with a sense of humor that was fueled by his intuition. I am certain that many will utter the words " I " am a better person for knowing him. Karen and family remember God only calls the "SPECIAL" ones early. I will remember you all in my prayers in the days and months to come.
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