Search by Name
Search by Name
1926
2019
KENNETH LEROY LEACH
November 15, 1926 ˜ September 7, 2019
Kenneth Leroy Leach, 92 , passed away Sept. 7, 2019. He was born to Theodore and Pearl Leach who had 13 children. His family lived in and attended Vancouver, WA schools and he learned acrobatic entertainment under the direction of Jim Hicks, Vancouver Schools.
During WWII, Ken was unable to join the effort due to a loss of two fingers in a shop accident. He and some friends created an acrobatic act and traveled extensively performing at a variety of venues across the country. Upon returning, he was able to serve in the Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine.
After the war, Ken resumed performing and met Frances Luperena in Puerto Rico, having four children together; Carmen Eastman, Kay Slattery, Kenneth Leach Jr. and Sheila Waterbury. He included his children in local area shows.
Later, he met and married Darlene (Tanner) Leach and added four additional children to the family; Rod Goings, Nancy Lyn Bude, Dan Tanner and Ty Tanner (deceased). They were married 53 years, adding many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the family.
Ken retired at age 55, allowing him and Darlene time to travel, bowl, play blackjack, and hang out with their friends and family. He was perpetually good natured and genuinely loved by all who knew him. Ken always had a story for his friends and a magic trick for the grandkids, usually involving those missing fingers. He loved his life and family.
Ken is survived with love by his wife and children.
Please join us for a celebration of his life on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 3:00PM at The American Legion, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver, WA 98663.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
It was such an honor to know Kenny. We preformed at many fairs. We were part of a circus troop. Balance act, trapeze, trampoline, unicycle, ladder... such a wonderful time... wonderful man wonderful family
Nola Koch
September 20, 2019
we r so sorry for your loss. uncle kenny will be missed.love the twins Kayla and kristina wolfe
Kayla wolfe
September 12, 2019
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with all of you.
Pamela Gaylord
September 12, 2019
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more