Patrick Michael Leach

1938 - 2021

Leach, Patrick Michael

born in St. Louis on March 17th 1938 and passed on November 25th 2021. Dear son of Carson and Martha (Brennan) Leach: Dear father of Laurie (James) Mertens, Daniel (Carol) Leach, Mary (Thomas) Dewald, John ( Kristy) Leach and Nancy (Matthew) Stoverink. Dear grandfather of Patrick and Libby Mertens, Matthew Leach and Mary Claire McKinney, Spencer Cox and Charlie Dewald, Carson, Max, Sam and Niko Leach, Patricia, Benjamin and Emma Stoverink: Dear great-grandfather of Anna and Jamieson McKinney: Dear brother of Thomas Leach and Ann "Oskie" Nitchman : Dear uncle, brother-in-law and cousin.

A very hard worker from a young age, Pat took his skills and strong work ethic as a painter and went on to build a successful business as a commercial painting contractor, where he was highly respected by many. From this he and his wife Jacqueline raised five wonderful children, who he cherished dearly. Numerous family trips to the Lake of the Ozarks and the lake house in Vandalia, Illinois, with five young children in tow, provided a never-ending legacy of great family memories wrapped around love.

In retirement, Patrick Leach shared time between Central Florida and Northern Idaho, where he was able to enjoy his favorite pastime of fishing the freshwater lakes, finding peace with nature, while surrounding himself with endearing friendships. His children and grandchildren would often visit, and he could share his secrets of being a great fisherman and appreciating life to the fullest. Pat was an extremely giving person and was always the first to lend a hand or make a donation to anyone in need. He had a great love of family, throughout his life, Pat spent special time with each of his children, instilling in them his strong values, beliefs and his legacy. It is fitting that Pat was born on St. Patrick's Day and departed on Thanksgiving Day; he loved celebrating life and gathering with friends and family. Shortly before he passed, he instructed: "After I first pass, there will be no more tears! I want everyone to celebrate the great life I lived!"

Services: Memorial service/celebration on March 19, 2022. Details TBD. Please check Kutis website in March. Donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or The Muscular Dystrophy Association.