Diane and family. So sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rich lived his life for this! Thank you Rich & Jan for showing us how to live. Our prayers are with you.

Rich was a wonderful man, words can't describe.  I truly admired the way he shared and lived his faith.  He was truly an inspiration.

My prayers and thoughts are with Rich, Jan, and the entire family during this very difficult time.

I met Rich and Jan at Starbucks over a year ago.  It begin with a smile then progressed to a hello and then over time it became a friendship.  I was studying statistics one day as I sipped on my coffee when Rich and Jan came in dressed in their modern style and carrying their crossword puzzles.  It was this particular day that I learned of Rich's brilliance for statistics.  We actually spoke of "correlations" (well he spoke and I listened) and without taking a breath, he flawlessly explained to me the meaning of correlations.
I won't attempt to articulate the explanation as Rich did that day, but I would like to put it into context for my tribute to you Rich!  By definition, A perfect positive correlation means that "100% of the time, the relationship that appears to exist between two variables is positive." I know you loved math...so in an effort to speak your language I want to thank you and Jan for being A POSITIVE CORRELATION in my life!  I believe I speak for all of those who knew you and especially those of us from the Starbucks breakfast club...You will be missed deeply!  I will never forget your kindness and sweet smile, not to mention your incredible understand of math.  We will love Jan and be there for her.  May God bless your family as you and Jan have blessed us!  We all love you!

We are praying for Richard and the his family. Richard will be greatly missed.

Dear Jan, we can hardly believe he is gone.  We are so sorry. We were so shocked when Mel B. called us. We have been praying for you and the girls. May God hold you and comfort you.

May God guide you and your family with his strength to get you through this difficult time. May his light shine upon you to help show you the way to peace! Love and Hugs!!  The Huff Family

My deepest sympathies to Jan and the family. Rich was a great mentor and teacher to me and many other people at Caterpillar. He touched innumerable people through his daily example and walk with Christ.

Diane, Jan, and all of you.  I can't imagine how you feel, but what a gift to have had such a loving Husband and Father!  Please feel the many prayers being said for you.

Our thoughts and prayers have been with you these past few days.  What a wrenching loss for those of us left behind, but I keep trying to think of what rejoicing there must be in Heaven!  Rich was such a kind, caring, loving man.  He will be greatly missed.

In life, we encounter many people. Very few influence our lives as much as Rich has influenced mine and so many others. Rich, it is November in the UK, but you do not have to wait until March to see the sun. As I am sure you are with the "Son" now!

To the "Lovely and Talented" Jan and family, THANK YOU for sharing Rich with us! May I always bring a smile to the face of God when I speak to Him and mention your names. 

Dear Leslie Family, our hearts are heavy for you all. Our sympathy to each of you. May the Peace that only God can give surround each of you at this time. Rich was a blessing to so many through the years. Heaven rejoiced as they welcomed him home.

I thought I saw you at mass today Rich and I felt comfort and peace. I have no doubt you are
in the presense of our Lord. Pray for us and our world and thank you for your gentle leadership. Your job is done here and your reward is surely great. 

To Jan and family we are very sorry for your loss, Rich was truly a gentleman always had a smile for everyone. Our hearts and prays are with you at this time.

Jenni and Destiny, My heart is heavy for you at this time. May God shine on you through this journey of mourning. Hugs to you both, Sheri

Jan, my most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family in your time of grief.  Rich was such a "light" in so many peoples lives.  I worked with Rich over the course of several years and had such immense respect for him.  He was such an intelligent man and he willingly shared his knowledge to help others grow.  His wit and quick smile could bring levity to any situation.  He was admired as a christian man of integrity and honor by his peers.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have known Rich and will forever fondly remember him.   Rich and I often chatted about a subject we both enjoyed.......WINE.  So, tonight, I will raise my glass as a toast in Rich's honor and I can imagine him raising his in return.  

I pray that you and your family find peace in your loving memories of your husband and father and comfort in knowing he is with our eternal Father in heaven.

Jan and Family, 
I was deeply saddened and surprised to learn of the loss of Rich. Our temporary loss is Heaven's permanent gain. I really enjoyed Rich's Sunday school class when he taught at Tremont Baptist Church and was sad when he quit teaching there. He was a man of God and showed it wherever he went. I don't ever remember him without a smile on his face. We will see that smile again. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

Rich was one of the nicest, godliest, most intelligent men I've ever met.  To know him was a privilege,  My prayers for Jan, the girls, and the grandkids.  Rich has gone on to new life.

Our deepest sympathy to the family.  Rich leaves an indelible mark on the lives and hearts of so many. A legacy of love and shared faith. We were so blessed to have known him.  Prayers of healing and comfort.

We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and brother.  Rich was one of Mike's best friends forever and it was such a shock.  But we know the Lord called  him home for a reason and we also live with the hope we will meet again.
Please know you have our love and sympathy in your time of grief and may God grant you peace.

Our prayers go out to Jan and all of Rich's family.  Rich was a wonderful, kind man - a true joy to work with.  He was always there to help, listen, teach and lead his co-workers at Cat Logistics.  He touched so many lives at work ... and everywhere he went through his faith in Jesus Christ.

I first met Rich in September of 2010 while attending RCIA with my wife Marcy.He had a profound affect on both of our lives. We are both much better people because of Rich Leslie. Our hearts go out to Jan and all the family. Rich truely was one of the best people I have ever known. I will miss him.  

Sorry to hear of your loss, Jan. Rich was a good man.

Jan and girls- as we arrived back from vacation my mom shared the news with me of Rich entering Heaven. What glory and peace! My heart aches for you but know that Rich has now arrived where we as beleivers were created to be..at Home with our Father. What fond memories over the years that your family has shared with the Mcleod family. I will forever be grateful for Rich's faithfulness and encouragment to my spiritual journey. i love you! 

Jan

It is so hard to find the words to say. I do not understand why or even want to start to understand the pain of the separation from him (Rich)that you must be experiencing. Our hope must be in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ for in Him we have the security that we will see Rich again soon. My prayer is that thought this trial that God will allow your faith to grow as you see the church come along side of you in your time of grieving. May the Love of Christ which surpasses all understanding comfort you. 

If you need anything I will be available Please do not hesitate to call me.

Love your Brother in Christ 
Mark

Jan and family:
Our deepest sympathy for your loss; our hearts go out to you. Take some comfort in knowing that Rich was so well respected and admired by so many -- a great guy who set a fine example.
Bob & Ev

Jan & family, I'm deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I'll always remember when I was in the hospital 11 years ago & woke up after 2weeks to see you Jan & Rich standing by my bed praying for me. What a comforting visit. The two of you did many wonderful things for others. May you & the girls  feel God's loving arms around as you go through this  difficult time .May you always carry loving  memories in your heart  Your in my prayers, In christian Love, gayle

Mrs. Leslie, Diane, Paula, & Jenni,

I grew up looking up to Mr. Leslie as a faithful man of God.  He will leave a hole here on earth, but what rejoicing there must be in Heaven now that he is home.

We were in TX when I learned about Rich's passing, and we were very shocked and saddened.  Rich was such a good Christian witness and we appreciate everything he did for our church.  We will truly miss his kindness and his friendly smile.  Our sympathy to all the family.

Dear Jan & family,  
My heart is breaking for you, but what a welcome Rich must be receiving in Heaven!  From the first time we met in WATCH I could not help but be moved by the presence of Christ shining from within Rich.  I cannot begin to imagine the number of lives made brighter because Rich shared his wonderful smile and words of encouragement.  With love & prayers at this difficult time, Carol McGrath 

Jan and girls, We are so sorry for your loss, but rejoicing for Heaven's gain.  Rich was a quiet faithful man who made an impact for Christ on many.  
You are in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.

We've know Rich thru Caterpillar for more than 30 years.  A nicer person has not blessed this earth.  We are both very saddened with this news and wish Jan and his whole family our prayers.  Rich will be equally as well received in his new home.

May the hope of Christ and the comfort of His Spirit bless and encourage you in your time of grief. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15) "Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)"...the dead in Christ will rise..." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all of Rich's family as you take this journey facing the loss of a loved one. May God provide the support and peace that you need. Rich was a person who left his imprint on all those he touched. My prayers are with you all.

All of us at Eli's will miss seeing Mr. Leslie at the shop!  He was a great source of positive energy and was such a sweet customer.  He loved our cranberry scones :) 

~The Eli's Coffee Shop crew 

Jan: I always looked forward to "our" Mass on Thursdays. You both brought so much Love into the Prison each and every time you came in to be with us "Ladies", for bible study and for Catholic Mass. It has been a real blessing in my life to get to know both of you. I thank God for your ministry, and for sharing the Love and Grace of Jesus each and every time we met throughout the many years. I carry both of you in a very special place in my heart and in my prayers always. I love you both very much. Rich might not be walking among us now but he is always in our hearts and in the wonderful memories we have shared. God's Grace and Peace to you and your family. 

Jan and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Rich’s passing.  Rest assured he will be remembered for the smile on his face and his passion to help all he met.  Though this is a sad time, he is with his Lord now and we are grateful to have known him.    



We are so sorry to hear of Rich's passing.  We are confident that God will richly reward His faithful servant.  The last time we saw Rich was at the Cursillo 40th anniversary celebration.  We sat together with Jan and him there.  I think we were all surprised to see each other there and to know that our 2 paths were similar.  Rich was always a faithful Christian with that broad smile on his face.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Dear Jan & Family, 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Leslie family in the deep loss of your loved one.  We have precious memories of Rich and of his love for the Savior.  We rejoice with you to know that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."  (11 Cor. 5:8) 
In Christian Love, 
Harold and Norma Pothoven 

To Jan and family.  We are so sorry for your deep loss in the passing of Rich.  He was such a kind and loving man.

I am so sorry to hear of Richard's death. He was so much like his Father, both being one of the nicest men I have ever met. May God bless his Family.

Our deepest sympathy. My father thought a lot of Rich and they are probably having a great reunion now. We really got to know your family when we were neighbors and went to the same church. We have a lot of good memories.

Rich Leslie was a true believer in Jesus. His friendship was special all the 40 years we knew each other. His faithful example and balanced christian life always blessed and encouraged us. Thank you brother Rich for being who you were. We shall see you soon!! 

What a great man!  Rich was a great mentor, teacher, and co-worker.  I valued his wisdom and his patience with all of us through some very stressful times.  I loved to watch Rich and "Chang"  work together.  What a pair!  God be with you and your family, Jan. You are in my thoughts and prayers.   


Jan you and the girls are in our prayers. We throught the world of Rich and you and am happy to say that we were friends. We know that Rich is in a better place and know that he will be missed.

I first met Rich back in 1994 when I first joined Cat Logistics.  Initially, I was impressed by the abundance of kwowledge and experience Rich had in regards to logistics and managing inventory.  Over the next six years as I worked closely with Rich, I became more and more impressed with his patience, his compassion, and his level of understanding people and their needs.  I will greatly miss a truly wonderful mentor and friend.  God Bless.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jan and all of Rich's family. May God bless you all and comfort you now and in the days to come.

I was a student of Rich's at the RCIA class at the Church.  From the beginning I could tell that he was a man of sincere faith, who really cared about teaching the RCIA students the Catholic Faith.  I was very saddened to hear of his passing and I will truly miss him.  He was a very good man.

Jan and family,
Words cannot fully express our deepest sympathy to you in your loss of Rich.  We pray you will feel peace in His Presence as He gives you strength and comfort for now and the days ahead.  We will be praying for you.

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Richard.  His volunteer services at FCI/FPC Pekin were valued.  Your family will be in my prayers.

Rick was a great man and served the Lord well.   From our time with him at Pekin Bible Church, his friendship and ministry together will be long-remembered.    Our love and prayers to Jan, the girls and their families, and to his brother and sisters and their families, all of whom are dear friends.

Jan and Family:

Was so very sorry to hear about Rich.  

Please know that you will be in my prayers during this difficult time.  I also want you to know that although I can not be there for the funeral on Wednesday, I will offer a Mass for Rich in the very near future.  

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May his and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Gary W. Blake
Holy Cross Church, Mendota

Rich was an unforgettable part of RCIA and a very positive person of faith helping many find their way to God.  I enjoyed seeing him and Jan at mass and at many of the activities at St. Joe's.  Rich will be greatly missed. My prayers to Jan and his family.
Peace.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Jan and girls (families), may God heal your pain and provide you with clarity and peace.  Rich left a great impression on many people. It was obvious that he honored God in all he did, as a husband, father, grandfather, servant, friend, and brother in Christ.  He is a true example of what a christian man should be.  His smile, love of Christ, and postive outlook will be missed but not forgotten.  

I've been lucky to meet Rich.  He's had such a positive impact on my life from strengthening my faith, to mentoring me in my professional career, to being a friend, to always being a good role model and helping others.  My deepest sympathies and prayers to Jan and the family.  

Jan, You had a true gem of a man!  What a wonderful friend, great co-worker, mentor, teacher and a man with the patience of infinity!!!  I learned so much from him, daily living advice and with work:  trying to understand those darn forecast & MIN/MAX/EOQ statistical calculations written in that ancient language of COBOL!!!  Rich, Dr. Chang and Annie - what a fun group & team to have worked with and learn from.  To listen to them talk, OMG, made my head spin!!!  Even though I hadn't seen Rich in a while, he has always been in my thoughts....wondering what he's doing to enjoy retirement and those "little" grandkids.  But, when we'd run into one another, it was like we just had seen each other the day before!  Rich, you are a true inspiration to me and many.  You WILL be greatly missed.  And Jan, May God be with you and the girls.  You all are in my heart and prayers.  

I'VE KNOWN RICH SENCE WE WERE KIDS IN BIBLE SCHOOL. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN MAN. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.

Our deepest sympathy & love to Jan & family

We are all praying for you and your family.

Please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers.

I want to express my sorrow to Janet and her family. Rich is a great person and i will miss him. 

Paul Schmidt

OBITUARY

Richard M Leslie

December 31, 1941 – November 25, 2011

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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