Richard Dean Leland

May 7, 2014

Richard “Dick” D. Leland, died on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in Benson, Ariz. after a short battle with cancer. In his final moments he was surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly.

Richard was born in Albany, Ore. July 1, 1945 to Charles H. Leland and Rulana E. Glover Leland of Albany, Ore.

He relocated to Tucson and then Benson, Ariz., over 30 years ago, but lived most of his life in Albany, Ore. and Sweet Home, Ore.

During his life he served in the Navy and later as a police officer while living in Oregon. While in Arizona he worked as a correctional officer before retiring due to ill health.

Richard later received a heart transplant which allowed him to live an additional 20 years. With his new lease on life he enjoyed his hobby of restoring old VWs.

He is survived by wife, of 24 years Dora; children, Richard Jr., Dawn (David), Cindy, Cassandra, Cecilia (Gary), Diana (Eufronio), Denise (Curtis), Melina (Abram) who reside in Oregon, Arizona and California. He had 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Dick also has survivors to include his sister, Regina (Jim), brother, Charles (Shannon).

A memorial service was held May 13 at 5 p.m. at East Lawn Palms Mortuary in Tucson, Ariz. Later this year there will be a memorial service in Mexico and Albany, Ore.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.