John Leech
Doris Leech
Doris D. Leech, 91, of Steilacoom passed away surrounded by her family on October 10, 2013. She was a loving wife to her husband of nearly 50 years Jack W. Leech prior to his death in 2004 and a devoted mother and grand/great grandmother.
Doris was born June 12, 1922, to John O. and Ethyl M. Ristvet (Wilson) in Midvale Idaho. As a young girl she moved to Washington with her parents and two older brothers, Charlie and Tom, attended grade schools in Parkland and Tacoma and graduated from Lincoln High School. She then earned an Associate’s Degree and spent over 30 years in executive secretarial service at Tacoma City Light, Pacific National Bank of Washington, Weyerhaeuser Company, and Pierce College (then Fort Steilacoom CC). It was at the Bank that she met and fell in love with Jack and they were married on May 15, 1954.
Jack and Doris built their dream house in Steilacoom on a lot given to them as a wedding present from Jack’s parents William I. and Eudocia Leech (Bair). This beautiful Sound/Olympic view house was their only home address and where they raised Doris’ son from a previous marriage, David Malanca, and John Leech who was born in December 1957. They were extremely loving in marriage, with Doris proud of the fact that they never fought, and hugely supportive of both of their sons. During these years great family values and lasting memories were formed through membership at Steilacoom’s Oberlin Church, summers spent at the family beach house on Hood Canal, fishing/boating, and sports fanaticism especially UW Husky football.
Prior to and especially after they both retired Doris was the family leader of social activities and travel adventures. She and Jack toured the globe including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America; they also went on many cruises and in between took shorter trips all over North America, only missing one UW Rose Bowl along the way. Doris loved dancing, entertaining, home décor, and fashion. She was renowned for maintaining her appearance while waterskiing at the Canal, able to take off from and land on shore without getting her hair or even bathing suit wet. In her later years after Jack’s passing she continued the cruise ship life by participating all activities, events, and religious services offered by the retirement home. However, she also loved getting out for family dinners, lunches, church, grand kids’ sports, convertible car rides, and to get her hair done.
Doris was recently preceded in death by son David and is survived by son John and daughter-in-law Brenda Leech of Steilacoom, daughter-in-law Naoma Malanca of Yakima, six grand-children Zachary, Andy, and Matt Malanca, and Lauren, Jackson, and Jordan Leech, great grand-sons Elijah and Daniel Malanca, as well as many cousins/nieces/nephews-in-law and friends whom she loved dearly.
At Doris’ request only a small graveside service will be held, followed by a “big party”/open house in her honor at the Leech residence at 1311 Starling St., Steilacoom on Saturday, Nov 16, from 1 to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Oberlin Church Youth Program.