It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kenneth W. Leach on May 29, 2023.
Kenny was born in Hoquiam, Washington on May 5, 1944 to Kenneth and Peggy Leach. He grew up in Hoquiam and attended grade school at Emerson Elementary, Hoquiam Junior High School and then went to the old Hoquiam High School, graduating salutatorian of his class in 1962. Besides making excellent grades, Kenny was also a good athlete. Football was his best sport and he hit like a mule. Nobody messed with him. He was very popular in school and was elected vice president of his senior class. He was Homecoming King and selected to the May Court as well.
After high school, he attended Washington State University and graduated with his BA. He received a full ride to attend Whitman College and pursued a PHD in biology. After attending Whitman for a little more than a year he decided to join the Air Force and become a pilot with the rank of lieutenant. Once he completed his training, he flew the Air Force C-130 aircraft. Even though he enjoyed his flying experience he soon realized that this was not for him and after receiving an honorable discharge, he came home to begin the next chapter in his life.
He moved into the family cabin on Hood Canal and was able to pursue his real interest such as hiking the Olympics and staying fit. One of his favorite staying-in-shape activities was working out with a small punching bag and he could make that bag hum. All of this and many other activities kept Kenny it top-top shape.
While living at the canal, Kenny met his wife, Candie Moran. Candie was the perfect match for Kenny. She loved to do the things he did like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail together. They ran an antique store on Hood Canal for several years and maintained their frugal life style together enjoying their many friends. Later they moved to their present home near Shelton where Candie’s family lives. They started a dog boarding business and ran that business for several years.
Kenny was very unique. It would be hard to find someone in our society to mimic his life style today. Kenny lived his life his way and enjoyed every day. He had a lust for life and nature. He always had something positive to say and had a hardy laugh.
While he had no children, Kenny was very close to his sister, Janet, and her husband Roy and their four children: Lisa, Steve, Kristin and Brian. Kenny was also very close to his grandniece, Alex, and grandnephews: Ben, Nick and Tyler. Kenny and Candie also were very close to Candie’s niece, Jennifer, who was always there to help when needed as were her parents, Terrie and Willis Campbell and other members of the family.
Kenny was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Leach Davis and nephew Steve Davis.
A special thanks to David Wayman, Kenny’s life-time friend for the information he contributed to help write this obituary.
