For many years Dick was a vendor at the Sunset Valley ARTFEST showcasing his beautiful swings, planters, and birdhouses. He always enjoyed talking to people and telling jokes. Over the years we would see Dick and Barbara walking along Pillow Road holding hands and when she passed he would drive up and down the street visiting everyone at first in his car then on his scooter. Always smiling and telling funny stories he will be missed.

Part 2
Dick and Barbara were servants at heart.  Before we visited Southwest, they were active in youth group activities.  And at HEB camp, there was Barbara, working in the kitchen and Dick staying busy working behind the scenes, not looking for credit, just looking for what needed to be done and doing it.    One of my favorite memories of HEB camp was when Barbara let me be the griddle cleaner when it was time to pack up, and my goal was to do as good of a job at it as Dick Leigh would have done, were he not busy doing a myriad of other tasks like picking up trash, honoring the Lord also in the little things, with a smile, perhaps a whistle, and a spring in his step.

The time for us to leave for Austin to attend the visitation for Dick Leigh has come and gone.  We fully intended to make the trip but the vagaries of health, not serious, but significant, have intervened to change our plans, to great disappointment for both Michele and me.  For Dick Leigh was a special person in the Brammers’ lives.  We first visited Southwest Christian Church in 1975.  We were warmly welcomed by all, but the names that stand out the most from way back then are Bob Dees and Dick Leigh.  Dick had a God-given gift as one who made you feel comfortable, at ease, yes, welcome and wanted to be there.  And his love of the Lord permeated his entire being.  Who can think of a better example than Dick Leigh of an adherent of what Jesus said was the greatest commandment, to love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and the second, like unto it, to love your neighbor as yourself?  The answer would be the same as former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh gave to the question, “Who’s got it better than us?”  Nobody!    
Of course, we can’t think of Dick Leigh without remembering the love of his life, Barbara.  Dick and Barbara.  A marriage made in heaven.  If you don’t believe me, just look at Jim, Ron, Tim and Danny.  What a legacy!  What wonderful parents!  What a family!  
Other than his faith and commitment to family, what characteristic stands out in the life of Dick Leigh in my mind?  Dick had a quiet, but unquenchable determination to set and achieve goals in his life.  When he got an idea in his head, one that perhaps he had pondered for some time, but when he had come to a decision, he was like a bulldog after a bone.  That bone was going to be gnawed on by a bulldog, a bulldog otherwise known as Dick Leigh.   Please see Part 2 due to space restrictions

He was a man of integrity, with a persistence and passion for Christ, and he will be very dearly missed. I will forever be grateful for the example of love and compassion he set for his children and grandchildren, and for the many treasured memories that we all share. He truly was a good and faithful servant of our Lord and he is finally home.

Dick Leigh was such a blessing! He was always spreading joy and creating laughter. We lived down the road for 27 years and fondly remember Dick's friendly nature and kind generosity. He graciously shared his woodworking know-how with Tony and then with Joe. What a great example he was of a good husband, father, and grandfather. His dedication to family, church, and community left a mark that inspires many. He will be missed.

We had the pleasure of having Mr. Leigh as a neighbor and friend in Sunset Valley. Some of my earliest memories were of Mr. Leigh taking his daily walk and stopping to visit with us. Mr. Leigh never knew a stranger and was as genuine as they come. The bench swings he made for us are world class and I will always think of him when I sit in one. Rest easy Mr. Leigh.

I still can’t easily call him by his first name since I was so young when Mr, Leigh moved his  one of a kind wife, and four sons to Austin. They joined our church, and he and all his family immediately became part of our family just as they added us to theirs. I barely remember our church without them.  He & Mrs. Leigh were the first ones  to invite the whole group of kids to their house for pizza after church on Sunday nights; the early beginnings of our youth group. I’m still thankful for his natural  example  of respect & kindness; doing the right thing without a second thought. Thanks, Mr. Leigh, for all you always did, and everything you’ve always been!

I didn't know Dick well, but my wife and I used to pick him up and take him to Sunset Valley city events. I always loved his sense of humor and the stories he would tell, like when he worked for Howard Hughes. Everyone was always glad to see Dick and he'll be missed.

A great humble servant of his community and church in South Austin for over 50yrs! More importantly, a great father raising 4 boisterous boys into the same caliber of quality men who form a solid strong community presence on their own with their families now, all over Texas. I will always remember his example for how I should act.

Dick Leigh was a dear friend and a wonderful man. He allowed me the pleasure of driving him to Sunset Valley Public Works committee meetings where we served together for a number of years.

He also allowed me to decorate him and his beloved scooter with reflective tape to make him more visible as he drove about town. 

Before that I remember his beautiful swings that he built for City Hall and his walks up and down Pillow Rd with his wife before she passed. He reminds me of so many wonderful things about living in Sunset Valley. I will miss his  many stories, easy smile and generosity of spirit.

Our world was better for his time on this little patch of earth. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

OBITUARY

Richard Pablo Leigh

26 November, 1934 – 18 June, 2025

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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