Time For Memory

Thomas Nelson Leach

1960 - 2011

Thomas Nelson Leach, 50, of Newaygo, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids after a short but hard fought fight with cancer.

He was born in Greenville, Michigan on August 8, 1960, to Judith and the late Dennis Leach. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1978 and from Central Michigan University in 1983.

Tom started working for Pepsi Cola Company straight out of college and worked his way up to national sales management trainer until leaving in 1988. He began his 23 year career as a State Farm Insurance Agent in White Cloud, MI. where he was awarded numerous leadership and sales awards including the Silver Scroll level of Legion of Honor, one of their most prestigious awards.

Tom was an active member in several surrounding communities. He assisted his father Dennis Leach as a volunteer at the Greenville Optimist track meet starting in 1972 continuing every year through 2010. He coached his children's Lakeview AYBT, AAU Basketball, and Gus Macker teams. He was an active member of the White Cloud Lions Club for many years.

Tom is preceded in death by his father Dennis Leach in 2007 and his maternal grandparents Howard and Genevieve Davis and paternal grandparents Leo and Christine Leach.

Tom is survived by his children Jamie, Brent, Megan and Marcus Leach of Newago. He is also survived by his mother Judith Leach and his sisters and brothers-in-law Tonya and Ron Billmeier and Teri and Tim Hunter both of Greenville and his nieces and nephews Courtney and Dr. Matthew DeKraker, RJ Billmeier, Tara and TJ Hunter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday April 14,2011 at First United Methodist Church Greenville with Rev. Steve Charnley officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 AM at the Church. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be given to White Cloud Lions Club, the Education Foundation of Greenville or First United Methodist Church Greenville.

There are currently 82 condolences.

Cheryl (Pixley) Johnson Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 12:42 AM
My condolences to the Leach Family! I went to school in Greenville also, and Dennis was my insurance Agent while I lived in Greenville! Tom was a hard worker, yet kind person (as was his whole family)! Rest in Peace Tom...

Renee Grandon grandon16@hotmail.com Wednesday April 27, 2011 at 3:40 PM
I was shocked to learn the news yesterday or Tom's passing. He was an amazing neighbor and father to his children. My son Kyle especially was saddened to hear of his passing.... we will miss our neighbor Mr. Clean : ) He always kept his yard in perfect condition and we were always jealous ; ) To the children .... I cannot imagine your loss but know youre in our prayers.

Flora (Pat) Hitts Tuesday April 26, 2011 at 2:09 PM
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Please remember that Tom will live within your heart forever. "When love is great there are no need for words, for even in silence...love is heard". He hears your love!

Scott Henzi Scott.henzi@pepsico.com Monday April 25, 2011 at 9:39 PM
Leach Family: I am so saddened to hear about Tom's passing. I had the chance to work with Tom at Pepsi and we shared an apartment during that time. He was an excellent friend and mentor. He had a great corporate future but decided it was more important to live and work near family and friends. I think he was right. I look forward to seeing Tom in Heaven.

Jeffery and Beverly Wright wrightjeffery94@yahoo.com Monday April 25, 2011 at 3:44 PM
My wife and I are deeply saddened by the loss of your father Thomas. He was a wonderful individual who shall be sorely and deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Isaphine Huff & Robert Huff Monday April 25, 2011 at 2:42 AM
Our family sends our condolences. Mr. Leach was always very nice and friendly. We will greatly miss him.

Larry D'Amico Sunday April 24, 2011 at 12:53 PM
I'm very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was mine & my mother's agent. He was always helpful & he will be missed.

Jamie, RN Thursday April 21, 2011 at 4:37 AM
It was an absolute pleasure getting to know and care for Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

jeanette runyon nettierunyon@yahoo.com Wednesday April 20, 2011 at 1:43 AM
My dad has CP not many people take the time and patience to listen to him n but Tom always did. I remember being in elementary and going into Toms office with my Dad and I didn't have to repeat anything Tom listened and repeated Back what he had thought he heard and struggled to understand. I really appreciated that about him. I am sorry for the early loss of his life but greatful for the man I saw.

Jeannette Babcock Saturday April 16, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Thinking of you at this difficult time, sincere sympathy and kind thoughts are with you.

Shawn Teegardin Friday April 15, 2011 at 4:05 PM
To the Leach family, I just heard of Tom's passing. My heart is so very heavy. He loved the Lord and I know he is in heaven waiting for us. May God bring you comfort in this most difficult time.

Helen Eismeier Zerka Friday April 15, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Judie and family, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Tami Hutson Friday April 15, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Dear Judie and family, I am sorry for your loss. I wish we had been able to attend the funeral and express this to you in person. However, we have been busy caring for Doug's mom who has Parkinson's. Unfortunately, we didn't learn about the funeral until Thursday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. -Doug and Tami

Betty Krueger (Independent Bank) Friday April 15, 2011 at 9:28 AM
He will be greatly missing in our community. Our prayers are with the family. God is with you.

Marianne (Christensen) Hunsinger Friday April 15, 2011 at 12:58 AM
He was a wonderful classmate. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.

Jack and Jo Anne Weber Thursday April 14, 2011 at 9:35 AM
So sorry and sad to hear about Tom. Always remember seeing him as a teen, he was never without his basketball. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack and Jo Anne

Harold Hargrove Thursday April 14, 2011 at 9:33 AM
My deepest conddolences to the Leach family. I have always though of him as one of the good guys in this world. I'm sure God has a perfect spot for him in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are for him and his family.

Jim & Bonnie Dakin Thursday April 14, 2011 at 9:17 AM
Judie & entire family - although we never knew Tom, please know that our thoughts & prayers are with the family during this heart breaking time. It sounds like he was well loved and respected by all who knew him.

Patty Shindledecker (Wilson) Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Judy and family, I was so sorry to hear about Tom. Our prayers are with you. Ronnie and Patty

LeRoy Northam leroy.northam@jeffersoncapitalinternational.com Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 6:56 PM
Leach Family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We are all blessed to have crossed paths with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Behnke Family smbehnke@charter.net Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 6:07 PM
The Behnke Family - Travis and Sarah and their parents Dave and Sharon, send their heartfelt condolences. We are sorry to hear about the loss of your son, brother, father. You are all in our prayers. The neighborhood is grieving, too.

Ann Marie (Puffpaff) Boettger ladybugannmarie@hotmail.com Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 5:22 PM
Dear Aunt Judy, Tony, Terrie and families, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. He was such a great guy and I will never forget playing at Grandma Puffpaff's apartment building in Greenville with Tom, Terrie and my brother Kurt. We always had so much fun together when we were there. I honestly know he is with Uncle Dennis now and they will be together hunting and playing sports up in Heaven.Please know I will be praying for you all to have some peace, Ann Marie

Randy Stacey Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 5:02 PM
Judie,Tonya,and Teri: So deeply sorry to learn of Tom's passing. We can't afford to lose the good ones and Tom was the Best of them. My heart is with you.

Howard Szaroletta Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 4:25 PM
Tom, we're sorry to hear of your passing. You were a good agent and i always enjoyed seeing you at the big meetings. God speed, Howard

Pat Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Judie and Family, Have had all of you in my prayers since I heard that Tom was ill. Know your family & friends will help you through this difficult time.Tom was a wonderful father and will be missed by many. Know you will keep his memories close to your heart.

Jason Brookhouse Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 3:03 PM
In years past I had the privilege of getting to know and work with Tom through our business relationship. I always respected as well as appreciated the " down to earth " approach he took when faced with a difficult situation. He will be missed.

Carrie VanSyckle Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 3:03 PM
To the entire LEACH family, To him I was Carrie Beth and to me, he was Thomas. I know he loved life and was very good at the duties life had blessed him with. Son, brother, father, friend, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, coach, boss, teammate, classmate and the list goes on and on. He will surely be missed and remembered by many. I will treasure my memories of a dear family friend. Love to you all!!

Cheryl Varney Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Leach Family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. May God Bless you all and support you through.

Jill & John Drury Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 2:34 PM
We are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Lori Mosier Rogers Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 1:16 PM
I am so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless.

Tammy Kirshman Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 1:04 PM
Judie, I am sorry to hear the news of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joyce Rasmussen Berzins Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Judie,Holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your much-loved Tom.Dennis was so proud of him and grateful to share sporting interests.May God's love comfort you all.Joyce (Rasmussen)Berzins ('58)

Robin Kass robins185@yahoo.com Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 11:28 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tom was a great guy, had him for my insurance agent for 8 years. He is at peace now.

Sue Haddix Harrison Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 10:46 AM
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Tom. In reading about him I wish, I had known him. He accomplished so much in his short lifetime. Prayers and hugs to you, Judy, and to your family.

Melissa (Missy) Weber Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 9:48 AM
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. You are all in my prayers.

Steve & Marce Hansen Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 9:32 AM
We were so sorry to hear of Tom's illness and passing. We met Tom when he first came to White Cloud, hard to believe that was 23 years ago. He was easy to talk to and we enjoyed talking to him about his hunting trips. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences to all of you. He will be missed by the White Cloud community. Steve & Marce

Julie and Gary Sirrine Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 9:11 AM
Judy,Toni and Ron, Teri and Tim and family,We are very sorry to hear about Tom. He was such a special guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ron Petersen Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 8:40 AM
Jamie, Brent, Megan & Marcus please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. I played softball with Tom & your grandfather for many years. More recently I enjoyed watching Jamie, Brent & Megan play basketball for Lakeview. Your father was very proud of all of you and was always there to support you. His sense of humor was always welcome, he was a good man and will be greatly missed.

Cherie Locke Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 7:28 AM
Dear Jamie and Meghan, Your dad was a great guy. ALways kind, considerate and funny. My dearest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Sorry for your loss. Cherie, Justin, Alyssa, and Evan Locke

Gary and Jean stacey Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Judy and all your family We are so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful son. Our prayers are with you.

"Ms Candy" Outman Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Dear Jamie, Meghan, and Brent..I don't know if you remember me, but this is Ms Candy, your preschool teacher. I want to express my deepest sympthany to you and your family. I am soo sorry for your loss. You will always be in my prayers... Ms Candy

Ann Ingersoll Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Tom was a great classmate. My deepest condolences for the family. I know he is an Angel in heaven and you will feel his presence in your surrounding! God Bless!

Mike and Judy Titus from Bills Lake mikeandjudy@charter.net Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 9:50 PM
To Tom's children and family, we didn't know Tom very well, but enjoyed his wave and smile and loved watching him with you kids. We are very saddened to loose such a nice man and neighbor. Our prayers to you kids for God to show you comfort as time goes on. We send love and prayers to everyone in Tom's family.

Kathy Packard Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 9:20 PM
Judy, Toni and Ron, Teri and Tim, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May your memories live on..... God bless you all!

Jean and Marian Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 9:01 PM
Judy we are so sorry to hear about your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Linda VanHarn Stencel Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 8:36 PM
To the Leach family, I am so overcome with sadness. Tom was such a class act and one of the greatest people I knew. I am so truly sorry for your loss. He made the world a better place and everyone who knew him felt the same way. The world has lost one of the best, but heaven just got a great new angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Lisa Arnold Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 8:10 PM
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I have been fond memories of Tom while I was a high school student-athlete. The man could fly through the air and hit a volleyball like no other. Hope you are flying high today Tom! You will always be flying in my heart.

Rick Petersen Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 8:03 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Dawn (Mulholland) Baldwin Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Toni and all the Leach family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. It has been awhile since I saw Tom but I still remember what a good guy he was. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know how difficult it is to lose a brother so close to your dad. May all your good memories bring you comfort.

Bob & Lori Reed Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 6:57 PM
Leach Family- What a great friend. We are so sorry to learn of Tom's death. He was an inspiration because of his smile, his friendliness and his enthusiasm. He will be sorely missed. Although your Dad's lifetime was much too short, you all must know how fortunate you are to have had such a positive role model and such a caring, involved father. Many family's never experience that kind of love. Our best to you all and to your family as a whole and please know that our thoughts are with you as is our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Bob & Lori Reed

Jack and Mary Kay Wall Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 6:39 PM
Dear Judie, Toni, Teri and families, Thank you for sharing Tom with the rest of us. He fought the good fight and he truly will be missed. Love, Jack and Mary Kay

Dale Reinke Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 5:02 PM
Judy--so sorry to hear about your son. Cannot even imagine what you and your family are going through. I want you to know that you will be in my daily prayers as you go through this terrible process. May our Great and loving God be with you! Dale Reinke (58')

Ken Wall Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 3:00 PM
To Judy and all of Tom's family, I was truly saddened by the news of Tom's passing. When my family moved back to Greenville when I was young it was Tom's football and basketball teams at GHS that put the excitement in my heart to be a Yellow Jacket myself!! They were my heroes! In adulthood I would see Tom at several different sporting events, including those of his children, and he would always go out of his way to say hello and shake my hand!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with this difficult time!!! Remember, heaven became brighter when Tom arrived because earth lost such a good soul!! RIP Tom! Kim and I are sorry we won't see you as we are in California for our son's Marine Corps graduation!! We love you though pray GOD stays strong in your hearts!!.. Ken and Kim Wall

alphonsinebeckler Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Dear Leach family. I am so sorry about your loss. It feels like it was all our loss. My prayers are with all of you. Judy, anything I can do, please let me know.

Stan & Diane (Hurst) Neitzel Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:58 PM
Judie, children of Tom and all the family, Our hearts go out to you in the loss of this family member. Please accept our deepest sympathy. May God be your comfort and give you his peace at this difficult time.

Dennis Seiler Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:50 PM
To the Leach family, I want to express my condolence on your loss. I had met Tom various State Farm functions and enjoyed the conversations we had. I can relate to your loss, since I lost my wife to the same desease about three years ago. My thought and prayers are with you at this time.

Lori Neitzel Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:46 PM
"SKY!" Tom shouted hundreds of times during volleyball matches in the early 90s. To this day, I have not met anyone more motivating than Tom. He always encouraged everyone around him to be and do their very best. An awesome attribute that we should all strive for. We will love you always Tom!

RONALD SHOCKEY Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:21 PM
DEBI AND I ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. TOM WAS ONE OF FAVORITE FRIENDS. WE HAD SO MANY LAUGHS AND I ALWAYS KNEW HE WAS THERE FOR ME. I WILL MISS HIM

Lori Kalnins Buchholz Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:14 PM
I am very sad to hear about Tom. Knew him since school, always friendly when I would run into him. Earth has lost a good guy, heaven has gained him.

Karen Nichols and Jim Wykes Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:11 PM
Our hearts go out to your whole family. Tom was a great neighbor and will be missed. We will remember him out in the yard playing with the kids. We will also remember him for the care he took on his yard and home. We will not hear a leaf blower that we won't think of Tom. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Scott & Julie Galey Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Judie & family - we are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing...he and Dennis were such great people. You and your family will be in our thoughts always.

Wade & Tammy Hancock Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Judy, Ron, Toni and family! We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a good man and a wonderful son and brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Resa Remus-Stariha Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 1:31 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, please know Tom and all his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bob Hallada Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 12:49 PM
We are sorry for your loss of Tom, he was a good man. Always enjoyed going to Kentucky to play golf in the spring with him and his Dad. So many memories, he will be missed dearly. Bob & Deb Hallada

Kricket Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 12:11 PM
I am sorry for your loss. Your entire family will be in my prayers. May God keep you close as you get through these difficult times. GLYASDI Love, Kricket

Dewey Hilding Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Although Tom and I were not close friends, he was a fellow classmate. I believe I can speak for the entire class, that he will be dearly missed. Prayers to the family. God Bless you all.

Susan Anstett Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 12:01 PM
We feel your pain and hurt and are praying for you all. With Love, The Anstetts

Jeff Harris Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Thoughts and prayers go out the whole Leach family, during this trying time.

RONDA REICKARD Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Words cannot express my heart felt sympathy..........

Chuck Laper Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Judy, Toni, Terri and families, so saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was a good man and touched so many lives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Gene Beckler Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Words can not express the sorrow that I feel from loosing a good friend. Our prayers are with you all.

Marvin and Janice Neitzel Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 9:34 AM
To Jamie, Brent, Megan and Marcus: Your Father was a very remarkable man and remember him as a very good role model to our daughters when he helped them with volleyball. Tom was always the same and cannot say enough how nice he was. Your loss of your Dad will be definitely felt by all. Marvin and Janice

Kathy Muns Doorn kdoorn@fhps.us Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 9:25 AM
Jamie, Brent, Megan and Marc-I am so sorry for your loss. Let me know if you need anything. Tom was a big part of my Leslie's growing up...she has fond memories of him driving the boat and spilling you guys off the tube....he was a good man. Love you all! Kathy

Darryl and Diane Rogers Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 8:20 AM
Toni, Teri and Mrs. Leach, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Call if you need anything.

Judy Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 7:39 AM
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your son Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Debbie Puffpaff Godfrey debg20@hotmail.com Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 7:38 AM
Dearest Aunt Judy, Love to you all and I will see you on Thursday. Love Debbie

Cindy Voelz Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 6:50 AM
Les, I am so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken for you. Prayers and hugs are being sent to you and the kids. If you need anything at all please keep us in mind to help out. Love, Cindy Voelz and family

Nevin Horn Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 2:27 AM
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tom was always such a nice guy. I have fond memories of him that go all the way back to Walnut Elementary School, and I can still clearly visualize his beautiful eyes and eyelashes. :)

Linda Van Houten Monday April 11, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Dearest Leach, Hunter and Billmeier family. I was not aware that Tom had been ill and was so sad to hear of his passing. Joel and I have you in our thoughts and prayers constantly during this very difficult time. I remember some remarkable times in your home with Tom and the amazing person and role model he was. May you hold all the wonderful memories close to your heart and know that so many are here to love and support you through this time. I love you all -

Teresa Chapman (Kropewnicki) Monday April 11, 2011 at 8:23 PM
I was so sad to hear about Tom. I haven't talked with Tom since the summer that he was getting married. He was always such a nice young man. Our lockers in high school were close to each other and he was always fun to talk with. Spanish class was always fun when Tom was there. My heart goes out to you all. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Leroy and Hope Stratton Monday April 11, 2011 at 7:50 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Many good times and good thoughts remain in our heart. LeRoy and Hope

Cheryl Wright and Beth Collier (Green) Monday April 11, 2011 at 6:49 PM
Dear Judy, Toni and Teri, We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. What wonderful memories I have from hanging out at the Leach house growing up. He was such a kind and wonderful person. Prayers to all of you. Memories are what gets us through.

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