Obituary of Walter Dennison Leach

Walter Dennison Leach III On December 12, 2015 Walter Dennison Leach III passed away in Rockville, MD. Walter was born in San Diego, CA on July 2,1932. He was a 3rd generation Californian and long time resident of Darnestown, MD. Wally loved life in so many ways. He enjoyed sports, and was an avid fan of the Redskins and Naval Academy football. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his friends. He taught all to compete with heart and dignity, win or lose. Wally spent his early years in California, Europe and finally in Washington DC where he attended St. Albans school. He loved his St. Albans classmates and enjoyed seeing them through the years. He was the captain of the football team and a class leader. After high school, he continued his education at Lehigh where he earned a BA in Biology. He then worked for several companies including IBM where he met his wife Marjorie. He returned to graduate school at Carnegie Melon where he received his MBA. Wally worked as a consultant and ran his own consulting business before settling in at Bechtel Power where he initiated Total Quality Management practices. He was a true mentor to top management and employees alike. He taught people to work together as a team and appreciate the strengths and talents of each individual. Wally moved his family from California to Maryland in 1976 and became a member of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church where he was a member of the choir for many years. Wally retired from Bechtel in 1991 and took a position at the University of Maryland Small Business Division. He enjoyed consulting with Geico, the US Navy and numerous businesses while at the University of Maryland. His heart has always been in California at his family's home at Fallen Leaf Lake. His love of nature and beauty centered in the Sierra Mountians where he spent years hiking, fishing, enjoying his family, and maintaining the hundred year old family cabin. Many squirrels and bears knew his face and voice. He enjoyed captaining his 1956 Chris Craft woodie around the lake, visiting neighbors, and staying connected to his roots. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marjorie, his daughters, Beth Leach of Burbank, Calif,. and Sharon Leach of Burlington VT., his four grandchildren Samantha Harper, Jessica Harper, Lauren House and Bryan House, his brother and sister in law, Rhys and Susan Kear and his cousin, Bert Leach. He was predeceased by his father Walter D. Leach, Jr., mother Virginia Graham Kear, sister Nancy Glass and brother Frank G. Kear. A Celebration of His Life is scheduled for January 9th , 2016 at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church at 11 am, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please contribute to your favorite charity or the music department at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church.