Richard Leach
Born In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: August 11th, 2012
It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Richard on Aug. 11, 2012 at his home at the age of 80 years.
He was born in Sydney Mines and became a longtime resident of Church Street.
Richard is survived by his son, Stuart (Carol), Ottawa, Ont.; daughters, Nancy (Jacques Lacombe), Montreal, Que., Lynette (Christian) Gagnon, Levis, Que. and Carolyn (Rick) Grey, Fredericton, N.B.; 13 grandchildren; sister, Brenda (Ron) O'Handley and brother-in-law, Allister Salisbury.
Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rita, on July 18, 2012; his eldest son, Richard; his parents, Edward and Delphine (Harte); sisters, Mary Eileen Salisbury, Muriel (Dave) Potter, Theresa and brothers, Edward (Corinne) and Leonard, in infancy.
Richard proudly served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aero Engine Technician from July 1952 - August 1955 in Trenton, Ont. and was responsible for the recovery of downed aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre. He earned his Certificate of Competency as a coal miner for the province of Nova Scotia, in 1957. He was appointed a constable for the Canadian National Railways in Winnipeg, Man. in 1957 and also served in Moncton, N.B. before returning home to Sydney Mines. He served as a peace officer with the C.N.R. police for most of his 32 years at the terminal in North Sydney. Richard was a member of Branch # 8, of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was active as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ceilidh Golden K and received recognition for outstanding dedication through the delivery of 100,000 meals by Northside Homemakers in 2007. He had a love of baseball and was a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. He enjoyed swimming, bowling, and reading, having a particular interest in war history.
There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. J.J. MacDonald and co-celebrated by Fr. Thomas John on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church. A reception will follow in the Centennial Room.
Memorial donations in Richard's name may be made to the Kiwanis Ceilidh Golden K, care of P.O. Box 621, Florence N.S. B1Y 3Y7.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca.
