Ronald DeWayne Leach

In the early morning hours on Friday, September 20, 2024, Ronald D. Leach passed away peacefully at home at the age of 90. Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents Otice and Lucy Estella (Patterson) Henthorn, father Robert Leach and mother Dorothy (Henthorn) Lay. He leaves behind wife Pam, his five well-loved daughters and son-in-laws, Rhonda Schaff (Howard), Kristen Hunter (Jeff), Diana Durr, Kathy Montoya (Ray) and Laurie Davies (Bob), along with twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ron took great pride in his family and their achievements. Born in Indiana, Ron grew-up on his grandparent’s farm in Frankfort. Moving to Manhattan Beach, CA at 16, where he finished high school, he then served in the US Army for two years at the end of the Korean War, stationed at Ft. Richardson, Alaska as the Battalion Mail Chief. At the end of his active duty, he transferred to the Reserves for an additional eight years service. Attending Long Beach State College, he received his Bachelors Degree in Finance. Ron worked for TRW Aerospace, Space Communications Division in Redondo Beach, CA for 32 years. He was the Project Business Manager on numerous projects including the S-Band Communication Program for the Space Shuttle. 

He cherished his time in the outdoors - camping, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, canoeing, rafting, biking, cross-country and downhill skiing - and passed that love on to his family, when he began teaching them outdoor skills at a very early age. He enjoyed working around the ranch and traveling with Pam. He loved music, often singing to the family, and was quite the dancer. To Ron, life was an adventure to be lived fully – and he did. He is loved and will be missed.

 The family will be holding a private celebration of life in his honor.