Glyndon Raymond Leach
December 29, 1946 ~ February 7, 2012
Glyndon "Ray" Leach was born December 29, 1946 to Glyndon "Dewey" and Lavern Leach in Fargo, ND. As a boy, Ray, his father Dewey, his mother Lavern and his younger sister, Diane moved to Valley City, ND from their home in Enderlin, where they remained throughout their school years.
He was junior groomsman in his uncle Virgil Franson's wedding where he first met junior bridesmaid Cleone Buchholz and he was immediately smitten. She, however, was not. Years later in high school, they met once again. There the story changed. Ray and Cleone began seeing one another and something sparked between them. They continued to date when Ray heard the Marine Corps calling out to him. He answered the call and served honorably in Vietnam alongside some of the best men he had the privilege to call lifelong friends.
The day after Cleone turned 21, Feb 10, 1968; they joined their lives in the eyes of God and man. They lived near El Toro Marine base in California until the end of his enlistment. They made the move back to North Dakota and started adding to their family in the subsequent years. Ray worked a few jobs before starting his lifelong career at Steiger Tractor, now Case New Holland.
He loved spending time afield hunting, sitting in the boat attempting to land a large walleye, but he wasn't afraid to keep the "eaters" either. He was a man of many skills, who was looking forward to his upcoming retirement that was due to start this coming summer. He planned on doing a lot of fishing, The Fisher of Men had other plans though, he hooked a keeper at 11:30 in the evening on February 6, 2012.
Ray enjoyed cooking (and eating), camping, especially with his sons during their many years in the Boy Scouts of America and fishing expeditions with his friends and co-workers. He enjoyed traveling around the country as well as Canada and Mexico with Cleone, going to auctions and collecting antique cast iron cookware.
Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Cleone Leach; mother, Lavern; sister, Diane (Gary) Swailes; two sons, Kory (Jessica) and Travis (Keri); three handsome grandsons, Cameron Mjoness, Conner and Wyatt Leach and one lovely granddaughter, Kaitlin Leach.
Ray is preceded in eternal rest by his father, Dewey Leach.
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Erie PaCleone
David and I are so sorry for your loss of your husband ,your friend ,your love,your partner. I don’t no what I would do without my David,so glad your coming to the convention in Washington.was sad you could not make it to Erie.David forgot to tell me and I’m so sorry we did not get a hold of you sooner.Our prays are with you and your family Love David and Nancy Lange
Lisbon ND
Cleone
We are so sorry for your loss. May God bring you comfort at this time.
Rita & Dale
Hawley MN
So very sorry to hear about Ray. Ken worked many years with Ray at Steiger
Then after the years you seem to loose track of people. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers in your time of sorrow. Ken and Joan Wang
Pelican Rapids Our thoughts and prayers for the family in this time of sorrow. It is not easy losing a family member and only time will heal the pain.
Belgium WIWe are sorry to hear of the loss of Ray. Take care. Karen & Dale Walker
Cleone and family,
I am sorry to hear that Ray has passed. The video tribute is beautiful with many wonderful events and memories to keep. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mardel
Cleone & family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ray was a wonderful man and he will be missed by myself and my staff.
Dr. Hofsommer/ Pam
Essentia Podiatry
Fargo North Dakota
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Cleone. Ray was a good person.
Vern and Jeanne Kading
Devils Lake ND
A good man who will be sorely missed.
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
LISBON ND
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER. WE DID NOT SPEND A LOT OF TIME TOGETHER BUT I DO REMEMBER YOU BOTH ATTENDING FUNERALS OF FAMILY MEMBERS. I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR YOUR MOTHER IS STILL LIVING. SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON -FULL OF FUN!
RAY MUST HAVE BEEN A GREAT HUSBAND AND FATHER FROM THE SOUNDS OF THE OBIT AND PEOPLE E MAILING YOU.
MAY MEMORIES BE THE BEST AND THAT YOU ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE THE GOOD MEMORIES THAT HE GENERATED.
GOOD BLESS THE MEMORIES OF RAYMOND. DONNA LEACH GAMACHE
Although we did not know Glyndon he sounds like he was a wonderful husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Travis and Keri.
Valley City ND
Cleone and family:
We were saddened to hear of Ray’s death. It doesn’t seem that long ago we were in High School together. We really enjoyed visiting at the class reunions with Ray and you. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenn and Marilyn Lahlum
West Fargo North Dakota
I first started out with Ray at Steiger Tractor 38 years ago. Ray was always a good friend to me and everyone around him. You will be sadly missed my friend. You taught me so many good things and those memories will carry as long as you have that picnic table we built together in your garage. I’m sorry for your loss. Rest in peace my friend.
Fargo ND
God gathers the sweetest souls for a Heavenly bouquet or maybe the greatest fish for the Heavenly tank…Thoughts and prayers with all of you as God holds “Ray” in his arms and He will also carry you all through this difficult time.
All your Head Start friends are thinking and praying for you
What a wonderful memorial that was written for Ray! So sorry for your loss may the comfort of words, thoughts and prayers surround you during this time. I had the pleasure of working with Ray at CNH his smile was so heartwarming he will be missed. Blessings to each of you, may God hold you all in the palm of his hand always….xoxo
Valley City ND
So sorry to get the news of Ray’s passing. Of course Bob is a long time friend of Luvern. Jan went to VCHS with Ray. We both send our condolences to the family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Leach family. Ray was a great man and we will miss him.
Sherburn MN
Dear Cleone & family….
Clara just emailed your shocking news. Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Mary & Harold Schweiss
Grand Forks ND
To the Leach Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember pheasant hunting with Kory and Ray out in the Bismarck area years ago. I remember we had just finished walking a field and had gotten a rooster. We were on the way back to the truck when Ray spotted awhole bunch of crab apple trees. He said, “Since I have you two with me, we are going to pick a few bags of these crab apples because I have the keys to the truck.” We picked a few bags and off to hunting. We both laughed and then started picking crab apples. I recall getting some crab apple jam that year for Christmas from you guys.
Remember these good times when you start to feeling sad.
Fargo ndI’m glad we were able to chat on the phone yesterday. It may have only been for a couple of minutes but it was a good couple of minutes. I’ll miss you old man. Travis and I will take care of Mom and Grandma. I hope you and Grandpa are enjoying some time together.
Love you Dad,
Kory