Obituary of Eva Patricia "Pat" Leech

LEECH: Eva Patricia Leech (née Kitching). It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Leech, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Pat died peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre on March 30, 2012. Pat was born in Winnipeg on March 16, 1930 to Robert and Eva Kitching. She was raised in Winnipeg, graduating from St. Mary's Academy. As a youth, Pat worked at her parent's restaurant on Portage Avenue. It was on a summer holiday at Clear Lake where Pat met her future husband Bud. Their mutual love of roller skating brought them together and they skated as a pair in many exhibitions with the Winnipeg Roller Skating Club. After graduation from High School, Pat worked at the Royal Bank, where eventually both she and Bud worked for a time. Pat and Bud were married in Winnipeg on August 4, 1952. Pat then accompanied Bud to The Pas. She worked in the hardware store and became the "society" editor for the local paper. Pat and Bud moved to Brandon in 1958 with their two children, so Bud could work in the family printing business. Pat kept the books for the business for several years. Pat and Bud raised their children in Brandon. The family spent many happy memorable summers at Brandosa Beach, where Pat and Bud had great times with their many friends. After the children left home, Pat and Bud trailered around Manitoba before they returned to Clear Lake, where they eventually built their dream cabin. Summers were spent at the Lake entertaining their children and grandchildren. Winters were spent with family and friends skiing and also in warmer climates, particularly in Hawaii. After retiring, Pat and Bud wintered in Texas and made many new friends. It was here that Pat learned to clog and became a beautiful painter. Pat devoted much of her energy to the "dog" world. She became a well-known and liked instructor and competitor, making many lasting friendships. Over the years, Pat raised several beautiful well-trained dogs and a few cats. She shared her love of animals with others, by taking her dogs to seniors' centres and schools. Pat also volunteered at the Humane Society, something she enjoyed until her death. Pat was predeceased by her mother, father, brother Lloyd Edward and sister-in-law Mildred Kitching. She will be sadly missed by her husband Bud, her son Rick (Bobby) Leech of Edmonton and their children Erin and Jeff, her daughter Terry (Keith) Atkinson of Brandon and their children Mlee (Scott) and Blair, her brother Bob Kitching of Calgary, her brother and sister-in-law Don and Donna Leech and many nieces and nephews. The family gives their special thanks to the staff of A3 at the Assiniboine Centre who took such good care of Pat in her final days. A memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel at 332-8th Street in Brandon on Saturday, April 7 at 1:00 p.m. with Mr. Lawrence McInnes, Funeral Celebrant, officiating. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Pat's name to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.