Leach, Joseph Henry. Died at home surrounded by loving family, Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Born February 20th, 1931 in Cache Bay, (near Sturgeon Falls, ON). Beloved son of the late Clarence and Alice (nee Weir) Leach. Wonderful husband of Mary Leach (nee Fraser) since October 8th, 1955. He will be forever missed by daughters Leslie Leach (David Thompson) and Catherine Franklin (Joe C.). Devoted Grandpa of Ian and Alex (Brianna) Thompson, Kevin, Caroline, and Patrick Franklin. Predeceased by siblings; Clarence Jr (Margaret), Ruth, Ralph, Helen Murray (Earl), Ross, Patricia, and Marion Szeliga. Joe is survived by sister-in-laws Betty-June Stewart (RJ d.), Donna Fraser (Jim d.) and Jack Fraser (Sue). Joe will be deeply missed by countless relatives, colleagues, neighbours, and community members. Joe spent his formative years in Alliston, Ontario and is a proud Guelph OAC'54 grad. He also acquired degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Joe spent his career as a research scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at the Fisheries Station in Wheatley. He was integral to the discovery and treatment of invasive zebra mussels in Lake Erie. He humbly preferred to be remembered as a "Friend of the Great Lakes." Joe was a member and served on many committees and boards. Professionally, he was a member of the Board of Technical Experts of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, a past president of the International Association for Great Lakes Research and received a Lifetime Achievement award for years of dedicated service. Following retirement, he served as a consultant and worked with GLIER at the University of Windsor. As a community member, he served on many committees; LAAC, Society for the Preservation of Kingsville's Antiquities, Migration Festival, Kingsville House Tour just to name a few. Joe spent most of his leisure time in his garden, reading, and travelling extensively around the world with his wife Mary. Always a family man, he was staunchly proud of his grandchildren and many family celebrations and trips were enjoyed throughout the years. He loved classical music, architecture, and history. Arrangements have been made at Kendrick Funeral Home (91 Division St. S., Kingsville), visitation October 9th, 3pm to 7pm, followed by a Memorial Service at Epworth United Church (56 Division St S, Kingsville) October 10th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (University of Windsor), Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Epworth United Church, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences received at www.Kendrickfuneralhome.com
"If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need." Marcus Tullius Cicero