Richard “Rich” Homer Leighty Sr., age 83, a lifetime resident of Aloha, died on Dec. 29, 2020, at his home in Aloha. Mr. Leighty was born on Dec. 12, 1937, to parents Aubrey William and Elizabeth (Howard) Leighty at the Hoquiam General Hospital on K Street. He was raised in Aloha and graduated from Moclips High School in 1957.

Mr. Leighty worked in the shingle industry as a packer and sawyer for most of his life with the bulk of the time at Aloha Lumber Company as well as several other local mills.

His passion in life was auto racing. He began racing in 1960 and raced open wheel cars, from jalopies to modifieds and finally sprint cars. For 50 years he raced throughout the Northwest under the Leighty Racing Team Banner. He was a multi-time track champion and was inducted into the Elma Racing Hall of Fame in 2009. He served on the EARHoF board of directors until the time of passing.

He had also been a volunteer fire fighter for Fire District No. 8 for 38+ years and as a commissioner for over 30 years. He was a huge Mariner and Seahawk fan and a staunch supporter of North Beach High School activities.

On Oct. 14, 1955, Richard married his high school sweetheart Gloria Aileen Harper. They remained married until September 3, 2011, when Gloria passed away unexpectedly.

Surviving relatives include a son Rick Leighty of Pacific Beach, a daughter Wendy Leighty of Aloha, and a granddaughter Megan Leighty of Aloha. A son Michael, a brother Alfred Leighty, and his parents also died previously.

A private graveside service with vault interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Pacific Beach Fire Department Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 357, Pacific Beach, WA 98571 or to the Elma Racing Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 203, Pacific Beach, WA 98571.

Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.