Robert “Bob” Eugene Leach, age 88, peacefully passed on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at La Vita Bella care facility in Dickinson Texas. Bob was born in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated from Central High School where he lettered in gymnastics and swimming. He served two years in the army during the Korean conflict and was later honorably discharged. Bob was a proud veteran who always flew the American flag. He attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

During that time, Bob met the “love of his life” Janet Veitch. They were married on May 25, 1959 in Greenville, Iowa. Bob and Janet moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Bob attended and graduated with a Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska. Their first child, Laura was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bob was employed as a social worker for the state of Iowa in Sioux City where their second child, Steven, was born. The family lived in Spencer, Council Bluffs, and Des Moines Iowa until moving to Pierre, South Dakota in 1968 where Bob was employed as a social worker for the state of South Dakota until June of 1980.

Bob and Janet then moved to New Province, Iowa where Bob was employed as Director of Social Services at Quakerdale Residential facility for boys and girls ages 12 – 18 in New Providence, Marshalltown, Waterloo and Manning, Iowa until August of 1990.

Bob and Janet moved to Charles City, Iowa where he was employed as a school social worker, providing services to local school districts and identifying in consultation with parents and teachers for children’s ages birth to 21 needing special education services.

Bob retired in 1996 and they moved to warm Dickinson, Texas to be near his son and growing family. They lived there for 20 years. He enjoyed working part time, volunteering and reading at Silbernagel elementary school and Pine Drive Christian school.

Bob loved driving his red Buick and was always on the go. Going to breakfast, to see friends, run errands, weekly coffee with a local men’s club – just to mention a few of his many adventures!

Bob and Janet enjoyed driving back to Iowa and South Dakota to see family, friends and the majestic Buffalo! They took many trips including going around the world- sailing on the Queen Elizabeth II and flying on the Concorde jet. They also enjoyed going on cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Belize and many other ports.

Bob and Janet were faithful members of Dickinson First United Methodist Church where he taught the senior Sunday school for many years.

Bob was known for his eclectic antique frame collection and playing the musical saw by ear. He kept his Saw in the trunk of his car ready to share his musical gift with others when the opportunity arose. He enjoyed playing with a band at Dickinson barbecue restaurant on Friday nights.

Bob enjoyed swimming and competed in Senior Olympics, winning bronze and silver medals for his performance.

Bob had a great appreciation for NASA where he volunteered two days a week for 12 years and met a variety of visitors from all over the world.

He embraced becoming a grandfather and provided opportunities to mentor, teach, and travel driving his grandchildren from coast to coast visiting national parks, historical sites, and relatives. He also enjoyed doing crafts with the grandkids, laminating everything and sending mail to friends and relatives.

Bob never met a stranger. He was known to sit down in restaurants with people he did not know- walking away with a new friend(s).

After Hurricane Harvey, Bob and Janet moved to Regal Estates an assisted living facility in League City, Texas. Soon Bob was the new resident welcoming and orientation guide. He grew to love the people there.

After many challenges including the death of Janet, Bob was moved to La Vita Bella, a wonderful care home in Dickinson, Texas. Words cannot express our gratitude to all the staff at La Vita Bella who were a big part of the last 2 years of Bobs life. The love and care you all provided was exceptional.

He was a kind, loving and giving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and faithful friend to many. His immediate and extended family were the joy of his life. 

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Catherine- and his loving wife Janet. Bob is survived by his children -Laura Heitland, Steve Leach and wife Carolyn, four grandchildren Sarah Heitland fiancé Jeff Lau, Eric Heitland and wife Nicole, Rachael and Daniel Leach, one great grandson – Jason Lau, and sister Carolyn Vanderzwaag and many loving nieces and nephews.

Due to the Covid virus concerns the family will have a memorial service in the spring of 2021 to be determined.

Donations may be made to La Vita Bella, Dickinson, Texas or Essential Hospice Houston.

“You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.” -Bob Leach