ARTHUR ALEXANDER LEACH

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ARTHUR ALEXANDER LEACH With his family at his side, Arthur Alexander Leach passed away peacefully on January 6, 2000. In witnessing the New Millennium, Art achieved his final goal. Art was predeceased by his sister Kay and in 1982 by his beloved wife Reta. He is survived by his four sons and their spouses, Garry and Carol, Wayne and Phyllis, Gordon and Susan and Michael. He is also survived by four grandsons who were a constant source of joy and satisfaction, Michael, Brett, Jonathan and Noah. Art was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan December 17, 1915. His early childhood was spent in several towns in western Canada and the northern United States. In 1928 his family moved to Winnipeg and this has been his home since that time. Art was an educator. Upon graduation from the Winnipeg Normal School in 1935, he taught for several years in small communities in the Interlake. He returned to St. Vital in 1938, teaching at Windsor, Norberry and Glenwood Schools. It was at Norberry School that Art first met Reta. The Second World War interrupted his teaching career. He served in the RCAF from 1942 to 1945. Immediately following the War, Reta and Art were married, in July 1945. He continued in the RCAF reserve with Squadron 3052, as a Technical Instructor for many years. Art completed his degree in Paedagogy at the University of Manitoba. He continued post graduate studies at the Universities of North Dakota and Minnesota. He became principal at Glenwood School and in 1959 was appointed Superintendent of Fort Garry School Division #5. Art held this position until his retirement in 1976, presiding over the rapid growth and development of the school division. The board recognized his dedication and service by naming Arthur A. Leach Junior High School in his honour in 1975. Art was actively involved in his community, serving as treasurer of the St. Vital Parks Board for many years. He coached the Glenlawn Lions basketball teams to twelve SCAA championships and two provincial titles during his twelve year tenure. He also helped found the St. Vital Grads Senior Basketball Team in the 1950s. Art was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. For many years Art was an active Rotarian accumulating 42 years of perfect attendance. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and took great pride in publishing the Rotarian Newsletter for the St. Boniface, St. Vital Rotary Club. Arts interests were many and varied, ranging from travel and wood carving to writing and painting with various media. He had a life-long love of photography and practised it with great skill and imagination until late in life. The beauty of his photographic works formed an integral part of Arts legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6 or to another charitable institution of choice. "Please join with me in Tomorrows happy dream, Fly with the soaring Eagle Swim in the mountain stream. Worry not that the road, Be rough or even steep. Our goal in life is building We take no time to weep." A.A.L. A memorial service celebrating Arts life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 10, in Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway with the Rev. Carl Ridd officiating. Arts remains will be placed with those of Reta at a private ceremony. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2000