Obituary

Robert (Bob) Leach’s mother gave him the middle name Angelo, because he was her little Angel. He was born on October 03, 1957 to Delores (Dee) Finkbonner-Leach of the Lummi Nation. She was so proud of him, and he grew up to be a good and generous man. Bob passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2017 from cancer at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington.

As a teenage boy, after his mother’s passing, Bob and his younger siblings lived in Missouri with their paternal grandparents. Bob studied the violin and was the youngest 1st chair violinist in the St. Joseph Symphony Orchestra.

At 17 years old, as soon as he had a car, he traveled across country to come home to Lummi. He eventually settled on his own tribal land, and created a home that he dearly loved.

Initially, he was a printer and worked in the “blue building” especially publishing the tribal newspaper. When computers became prominent, Bob found his true profession. He brought kindness, laughter and thoughtfulness to all those he worked with through the years as IT Director for the Lummi Nation.

His life partner was Lenore Jefferson. Together they made a life, and were happy. He was forever blessed by her willingness to share with him traditional sh’langen, and he took care of her and her son, Douglas Jones until he passed suddenly in 2012 in his arms.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved Uncle’s Harry Solomon and Merv Roberts, and his loving grandmother, Philomena Solomon of Nooksack.

Bob is survived by one son, Daniel David Leach, of whom he was very proud. Proud that Daniel turned out to be good, kind and thoughtful family man, with his wife Amber and two beautiful giggly little granddaughters, Abby and Caity. Bob loved his family and they loved him.

He is also survived by his Auntie Donna Hunter of Nooksack; his brothers and sisters; Larry Adams, Perry (Dianna) Adams, George (Fran) Adams, Ronald (Beverly) Adams, Billy Leach, David Leach, Siam’elwit, and Kathleen Solomon. He was adored as an uncle and friend to many.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 6pm, and a funeral service on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 10am. Both services will be held at the Wexliem Community building.