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.
Pat was truly a wonderful and loving man who will be dearly missed. We are so blessed that he was in our lives, as he changed my life forever over 30 years ago with a phone call. I am eternally grateful for his guidance and friendship and continuing friendship with his family. Pats family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Ron and Tammy Breen
Pat was such a generous person who derived great joy through sharing the experiences he had with others. His intense listening and personal interest he took touched my life. Some of my fondest memories are with Uncle Pat and his family. He gave me experiences I may have otherwise never had. Horseback riding, skying, fishing, but most importantly experiences that provided the opportunity to spend time with him and his loved ones. I am blessed and grateful to have Pat as an uncle.
Love,
Tim McCarthy
Pat was a good friend of my Dad, Ivan Knopf, for many years. And, for many years, Pat and I played racquetball together in Affton at least once a week. I remember him too as a great volunteer leader of the trade association both he and Ivan belonged to. Pat always was concerned about raising the bar for the entire industry in my hometown of St. Louis. What a gentleman, caring and thoughtful, who knew how to have fun and enjoy life. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Mr Pat was a great friend to me. Our common appreciation of fishing brought us close. Will never forget our times on the river and the great fish fries he did so well. Truly will miss him
I have nothing but good memories about Pat Leach he gave me a job when I was at a low point in my life having just gone through a divorce.We became friends and even shared a few cocktails over the years I will be forever grateful to him for giving me a steady job when I really needed it .