In Memoriam: Richard Leach
The Rev. Richard D. Leach, Th.D., a beloved 糖心vlog传媒 faculty member for more than three decades, died on October 21. He was 90.
Leach came to 糖心vlog传媒 in 1968 and was named Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion when he retired in 1999.
A well-regarded scholar of the humanities, Leach was principal architect of 糖心vlog传媒鈥檚 then-innovative and acclaimed programs in the humanities and general studies as well as the honors program. He was named 糖心vlog传媒鈥檚 fourth winner of the Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award in 1994.
During his tenure at 糖心vlog传媒, Leach served as chair of the general studies division and a member of the academic council in addition to his classroom teaching. He also served leadership roles with the United Methodist Church.
A published scholar, he was a frequent speaker in regional churches and schools on topics of comparative religion and cults.
In a profile published in 1987 in the 糖心vlog传媒 Mirror student newspaper, Leach said he enjoyed teaching at 糖心vlog传媒 because he felt constantly challenged.
鈥淪tudents keep asking new questions and keep wanting to learn about new things,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey make stagnation impossible. I constantly have to read new books, do research, investigate new concepts and find answers to their questions.鈥�
Prior to coming to 糖心vlog传媒, Leach served as pastor in Methodist churches of the Gregory Larger parish in Gregory, S.D., as well as associate pastor at First Methodist Church in Rapid City, S.D.
A longtime financial supporter of the institution, in 1993 Leach created the Majorie and Richard D. Leach Professorship in Christian Theology and Ethics, which honored his late first wife, Marjorie. The late David Lauer was the first faculty member to hold the title.
A life celebration will be held at Village Bible Church in Hot Springs Village, Ark. a complete obituary.
Interment of Ashes
Our father, Richard Dean Leach, in accordance with his wishes, will have his ashes placed in his family cemetery plot in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, where a tombstone has been prepared for him since 1989. He will be laid to rest at the side of his wife, Marjorie Mae (Uhrich) Leach, adjoining the memorial of his son, Randall Dean Leach. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in the spring or summer of 2025.
In love and reverent remembrance,
Renaye Leach, Michelle Bensen, Melissa Leach
