Raymond Kenneth Leach

Ray was born on June 27, 1951 in Yakima, Washington to Kenneth and Alice Leach. After his mother passed away, Ray and his brother Clarence were blessed with a great stepmother Marian Leach. Ray married the love of his life, Cheryl Burns on December 1, 1972 in Wapato, Washington. Ray and Cherrie would have celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary this December. From this marriage Ray and Cherrie had two wonderful children, their son Tony and daughter Vicky. He also has a special daughter in law, Jennifer and two amazing grandchildren, Kassie and Gavin. Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and uncle. Ray had many friends. He was one of the most wonderful men in the whole world. Ray was a kind, generous, hardworking and loving man. His family always came first, but he was always there if anyone needed him.

Ray worked for over 30 years in the lumber industry. Five years at White Swan Lumber, working along side his dad, 26 years at Boise Cascade, where he had many wonderful friends, and two years with Yakima Resources until it closed. After the mill closed, Ray went to school at JM Perry Institute and graduated from the HVAC program in December 2008. He was on the President’s Honor List. Even before Ray graduated, he had obtained a job with Valley Heating and Cooling in Ellensburg. Ray really liked his new job, his new boss Nick, and all of his new friends and co-workers. Ray loved the Seattle Seahawks, country music, the Beach Boys, and walking on the beach in Ocean Shores.

Ray is survived by his wife Cherrie; his son Tony (Jennifer); his daughter Vicky (Tim); and his grandchildren, Kassie and Gavin. He is also survived by his brother Clarence (Davina) Leach; former sister-in-law Mary Leach; nieces and nephews, Maryann, Levy, Stephanie, Kenny, Megan, Kyle and their families. Also survived by Cherries family, Jeannie (Al) Goulet, Susie (Jim) Laurent, nieces and nephews, Greg, Steve, Cathy, Bryan and their families and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers. He is also survived by his little companion, their dog Roxie. He was preceded in death by all three of his parents, his baby sister, his in-laws, Harry and Saba Burns, his brother-in-law Jr., nephew Mark and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins, and his other companion, his dog Francis.

We would like to thank Christie DalSanders, who was first to provide medical care to Ray, as well as the Cle Elum First Responders and the staff at the Kittitas Valley Community Hospital in Ellensburg. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We appreciate all that you did for Ray.

Viewing will be 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday October 16, 2010 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Monday October 18, 2010 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Burial will be in the Reservation Community Memorial Park, Wapato. Merritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Ray, please visit www.MeM.com.