Fred Leach

Lathrop,MI
Fred H. Leach

Our Good Sheppard has brought another soldier home to eternal rest. Fred H. Leach, last surviving child of Canadian immigrants George and Hannah Mae (Adair) Leach, passed away suddenly, December 4, 2014, at DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

Fred was born November 3, 1924 in Wells MI. His father being a woodsman and his mother a camp cook, he lived in various places in the Upper Peninsula. Schools attended included McFarland, Lathrop, Hermansville, and Rock where he received an Honorary Diploma.

He proudly joined the CCC’s working on the reforestation projects. At age 19 he enlisted in the US Army, serving in WWII, from 3/11/43 till 5/12/46, as an infantryman on the front lines. His proudest moment was being on phone detail when the call came declaring the Germans had surrendered and getting to announce the news to his fellow comrades. He was also proud of lining up to watch the well decorated German Officers come out of the mountains in defeat, and being there to liberate the prison camps.

He was joined in marriage to Rose A. Leach, of Lathrop, on Feb 8, 1947. They resided in Lathrop, Adrian, Rock, returning to Lathrop in 1974.

Fred always took great pride in his work no matter his position. Any job worth doing was worth doing well. He worked as a swamper, tractor driver, woodsmen, shop foreman, motel manager/maintenance, retiring from Emico K&K in Rock where he made many good memories and friendships. He and Rose worked a very rewarding summer at Bay Cliff Health Camp where he served as groundskeeper.

Mr. Leach was a member of Rock American Legion Post 559 where he served as past commander and participated in many parades and military funerals, honoring his fallen comrades, on the firing squad. He also was a member of the North Country Pool League for many years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, music, fishing, yard keeping, horseshoes, and telling stories.

Gathering friends, family, grandchildren and the occasional stranger around the table for celebrations, history lessons, cards, cribbage, and instruction, now and again, on how to do a respectable