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MELVIN CLIFFORD LEAK
June 25, 1922 ˜ September 22, 2018
Melvin Leak passed after living a healthy 96 years. The oldest of 4 siblings, he was raised in Kansas. His midwest roots forming the man he became: kind, honest and easy going. He was an outstanding athlete, lettering in all sports and most proud of his 30 year pole vault record.
Mel enlisted in the Navy and told the story of how playing poker late one night saved his life when a torpedo hit where he should have been sleeping.
Many small decisions changed his life: meeting his first wife Darleen in the service resulting in not only two daughters, Barbara and Patti, but a move to Washington, where he lived the rest of his life in Vancouver and Portland, working for the railroad.
Mel married two other times and enjoyed being step dad to Gary, Daryl and Darcy Rice.
But his passion was ballroom dancing several times a week at various lodges into his 90s. That is the way we will most remember him.
Mel is survived by his brother, Duane Leak (Dolores); companion, Barb Pringle; daughters, Patti Harris (Scott Hinish), Barbara Hudson (Van); grandkids, Cody Harris, Corri Sigler; and great-grandson, Draven Harris.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life, Sun., Oct. 7, 2:00 at the Elks in Vancouver. And bring your dancing shoes!
Please sign his guest book @www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Mel If you think you had a party for your birthdays well we had one for you today that toped them all.So sorry you could not be there but you were. There were at least 150 or more people there .It was like your 90 th birthday. Lowell,Denny and Mario played and we all danced.You were sent of to your new home In Heaven in grand style and you would have been happy with your family they did you proud. So till we meet again my Love Rest in Peace Barbara
October 8, 2018
I have never had as much time as I would have liked to spend with my family from the Great Pacific Northwest.
Every time I talked to Mel I felt like he would know. If I asked a question he would have the answer. I never had a doubt that with his life experience he probably had the right answer all the time.
I would like to have heard more of those stories of his younger days. I always felt that if I could sit down with recorder and talk to him I would have several hours of life experiences that I will never have.
I would regale my younger friends of stories of my uncle Mel dancing in his 90s...
I usually ask them if they could keep up.
Me being able to walk probably has a lot to do with the inspiration I got from him.
I am heartbroken that we cannot be there.
It's little more painful that you were always there for me.
Barb and Pat I will keep in touch with you.
I loved your wonderful dad so much!
Keep dancing Uncle Mel.
We will really miss you!
Sandy and Tanya White
October 7, 2018
Mel and Barb were always a special and precious part of our dancing life. Mel and Don always had a good time, and he will be missed so much.
Patricia Dove
October 5, 2018
We will miss your warm embraces and loving smiles. Hope to see you on the floating dance floor in heaven.
Georgia Hockett
October 3, 2018
Although I knew Mel just a few years he meant a lot to me. He gave me confidence in dancing and felt so natural dancing with him. I liked to make him smile and laugh. Loved hearing his stories on trips to or from dances when Dorcy and I picked him up. He is loved by many and will forever remain in our hearts.
Farewell my friend until we get to dance together once again.
Bianca Elmer
October 2, 2018
dear mom sorry for your loss--hope mel is dancing with the stars! all my love!
wilfrid underwood
September 30, 2018
Mel I will miss our many hours of dancing and all the crib games. My family in Canada told me how sad they were to hear of your passing they all loved you as you love them. we spent many hours in Vancouver playing cards with them. So hope you are visiting all my sisters and brothers and having some card games with them. Marina and Donna sends there love to me and to your daughters Barbara and Patty and there families, You were not only my love you were every ones. you will be missed for ever and ever. Till we meet again love to you and your family.Barbara Pringle
September 30, 2018
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