Deane Lee Leetham, 89, of Montesano died peacefully on Friday, June 25, 2021. Deane was born on March 23, 1932, to Anne Deeny Leetham and Gerald L. Leetham in Montesano, Washington. He attended school and graduated from Montesano High School in 1949. He attended Grays Harbor College, and was attending the University of Washington when he was drafted into the Army in November of 1954.

He served in the Army for two years and spent most of his time stationed in Korea. When he returned, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of Washington. Deane spent many years in the banking industry (beginning while he was still in high school) in the surrounding Seattle area and also had worked and lived in Alaska as a bookkeeper for a fishing company. He was an appraiser for many banks in the South Puget Sound area and later had his own appraisal business in Montesano. He owned and operated a jewelry store in Montesano while he continued his appraisal business before retiring in the early 2000’s.

Deane married the love of his life, Gloria Davis on June 15, 1992 in Long Beach, Washington. She adoringly loved and cared for him until his last days.

Deane was involved in many service organizations and clubs wherever he was living, including the Kiwanis, Elks, Lions Club, Jaycees, Boys and Girls Club, VFW, the Montesano High School Booster Club where he served as president for several years, and was instrumental in the creation of the Montesano High School Hall of Fame.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and served as a greeter for years. Deane also volunteered his time tutoring students at both Beacon and Simpson elementary schools as well as in the After School Program in Montesano. It was not uncommon to find Deane at a sporting event of the many students he tutored. They would let him know when they had a game, and he was happy to come and watch. He coached Little League and passed on his love of baseball to many young men. In 2010 he was selected as the Montesano Citizen of the Year; an honor he was very proud of.

The term “sports fanatic” is almost an understatement when you think of Deane and his love of sports. He especially loved baseball and collected baseball cards for many, many years. Not only was he a fan of baseball, but he played shortstop for the Montesano Bulldogs as well as Grays Harbor College, where he was selected captain. He later played on the “Town Team” where the games were held at the historic Olympic Stadium. You could find Deane at Rottle Field on Friday nights, as well as in the gym or at the baseball or softball diamond whenever the Monte Bulldogs were playing. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, yard work, strolling along the beach collecting shells, going to Mariners games and of course spending time with his beloved wife, Gloria.

Deane will be remembered for his kindness, positive attitude, the importance of a firm handshake (which he passed along every chance he got), the quizzes and questions he asked each time he had the chance and he expected you to remember what he had taught you at the previous visit. He was always teaching something — the definition of a word, a math short cut, word association techniques, etc.

Deane enjoyed people and never met anyone who wasn’t a friend. He loved helping people both young and old.

Deane is survived by his wife Gloria Leetham, stepchildren Christina Ackley (Victor) and Richard Davis, brother Gerald Leetham (Kathryn), sister Sandi Baker (Ted), five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepdaughter Corrina Lynch.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 12 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Montesano with a reception following in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Montesano Little League, PO Box 424, Montesano WA 98563 or the Montesano Volunteer Fire Department, 310 Pioneer Ave E, Montesano WA 98563.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.