Richard Malcolm Leach
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Richard Malcolm Leach, born July 16, 1933, in Evansville, IN, died peacefully at home in New London, NH, on September 16, 2021. Son of Walter Barton Leach and Florence Malcolm Leach, and Edward Sturgis of Boston, he grew up in Chestnut Hill, MA, spending summers in Manchester, MA, where he acquired his love of the sea and sailing. He attended Holderness School and Trinity College, graduating in 1955. After completing ROTC training, he joined the Air Force where he earned his wings pursuing his love of flying.
After the Air Force, Dick made his home in Dover, MA, and married Evlyn Bardeen with whom he raised four children. He established himself as a successful "Bond Man" in his 25-year career with the First National Bank of Boston. During this time, he also pursued numerous entrepreneurial endeavors and built lifelong friendships through endless adventures trying to perfect his skills on the golf course, sailing, skiing, and assembling an eclectic art collection.
Early in the 1970s Dick and six friends formed a partnership and purchased an old mining town in Southwest Colorado called Dunton Hot Springs. A cowboy at heart, he and his family spent summers riding the San Juan range. In 1978 he married Cornelia McElroy joining her family of three children with his four and the adventures continued with a family of nine traveling, skiing, sailing, and spending summers in North Haven, ME. 1988 brought the move to New London, NH, and a new chapter in their life together. In the coming years, he wrote "Gadabouts" cookbook and regional travel guide, started High Atlas Golf Trips in Morocco and built a home in Ireland. His patriotism led him to donate flags and flagpoles to various organizations throughout New London.
Dick's generosity and love of children prompted him to establish The Sunshine Fund, providing aid to local children in need. He soon learned of YMCA Camp Coniston, a passion he supported for more than two decades, establishing Camperships for future campers and where he and Nell sent numerous grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Nell, their children Elizabeth Bert, Malcolm Leach, Virginia Townsend, Nathaniel Leach, Tim Wheelock, Coco Birmingham, Dix Wheelock and 12 grandchildren.
All are welcome to attend the service and reception at Lake Sunapee Country Club, New London, NH on Friday October 1 at 11:00 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice or Camp Coniston.