John Leitch

Obituary JOHN MICHAEL LEITCH March 26, 1907 - July 27, 2005 John died peacefully Wednesday morning, July 27, 2005 at home with his wife and close friends near by. His 98 years had taken their toll and he was too tired to hang on any longer. John was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 26, 1907, the second of nine brothers and sisters. At age 18 he left Winnipeg and never looked back. Through hard work and diligence he survived the Great Depression in Chicago, working all the time toward American citizenship which he attained prior to entry into World War II. Proud to be American, he could be heard above all others when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Before and during the war years he sailed with the American Merchant Marines, endured much hostile fire, and again through more hard work and diligence he progressed through the ranks to become Master of the Ship. Kidney problems brought him ashore in 1949 and during his recovery from major surgery he met and married Virginia Malcolm in Washington, D.C. Believing ships and women don't mix he chose to revert back to his cabinet making days to make a living. In 1955 John and Virginia decided to go west so they quit two jobs and drove two vehicles across country to Moses Lake where they both went to work for the 62nd Wing, then came to Tacoma with the Wing in 1960. They both retired in 1970 and since then have enjoyed traveling and just being together. John is a Tacoma Elks #174 Old Timer, a member of Eagles Aerie #3, and a member of AMVETS Post #5. For many years he served as an usher at Holy Rosary Catholic Church until a stroke disturbed his equilibrium. He is survived by Virginia his wife of 56 years, his brother Ted Leitch, Hamilton, Ontario, his sister Vickie Jakubowski, Thunder Bay, Ontario and 25 nieces and nephews, all in Canada. Deep appreciation is extended to April Mowatt and Hope Hickman who gave John such tender, loving, 24-hour care during the last three months of his life thereby allowing him to remain at home during his last illness. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 6, 2005, 11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 AM prior to the Mass. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.