Calvin Clark Leach ‘Papa’

Calvin Clark Leach, 82, a longtime resident of Burlington, Washington passed away on Friday June 26, 2009 at his home. He was born on October 24, 1926 in Columbus Ohio, the son of Clark & Annetta Mae Self Leach. He resided in Ohio until he joined the Navy at age17. While stationed at N.A.S. Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Cal met and married Mary Lou Babarovich on March 6, 1948. Through his career he served during World War II, the Korean War, two tours in Vietnam and was stationed on the U.S.S. Tripoli, the U.S.S. Hornet and the U.S.S. Salsbury Sound. He completed 3 world tours during his service. Cal was honorably discharged in February 1969 after serving 26 years of active duty as a Master Chief Aviation Bosun Mate. He later went to work at the Texaco refinery and retired after 10 years. He and Mary Lou also managed the Cocusa Motel in Burlington for 17 years.

As a Scoutmaster, Cal worked with the Boy Scouts of America for 5 years sharing his knowledge and love of scouting with troops in the Oak Harbor and Burlington areas.

Very active in school activities, Cal was PTA President of Cresent Harbor Elementary School in Oak Harbor, Washington during the 1961-62 school year. He was an avid reader and for 11 years ‘Papa’ was a daily addition in Mrs. K’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classes at Allen and Bay View Schools, reading with at least 275 students during this time. He helped numerous young readers start and continue on the right track with their reading skills. In May of 2008 ‘Papa and Nana’ received the Golden Acorn award from the Bay View PTA for their support of the school.

Cal loved gardening and for a number of years maintained a very large vegetable garden which he shared with family and friends alike. For many years Papa provided pumpkins for grandkids, great grandkids and classrooms. He also loved roses and kept a large rose garden in his front yard for years from which he won many blue ribbons at the Skagit County Fair. In 1997 he extended his love of gardening by becoming a Master Gardener and helped out at the WSU Research and Extension center gardens including helping with building and upkeep of the test Rose Garden and growing tomato starts for the Master Gardener sales. In 1998 he was awarded Master Gardener Intern of the Year.

Cal was a skilled knitter and knitted socks, hats and sweaters for family. He also knitted sweaters for the Guide Post and was currently knitting prayer shawls for Burlington Lutheran Church at the time of his passing.

Cal was a 50+ year member of the Coupeville Masonic Lodge # 15.

Cal is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou; his children, Mary Jerry Bromberger, John Leach and Colleen Tim Knutzen. Nine grandchildren, Patrick Suzanne Tingley, Melinda Troy Beserra, Lt. Cmdr Mary Catherine Terry Graves, John Ariana Leach, Chris Billie Jo Knutzen, Jill Geoff Christensen, Don Leach, BJ Melissa Knutzen & Anna Bromberger. Twelve great-grandchildren, Michael & Kelsea Tingley, Emma & Erik Beserra, Katlyn Graves, McKenzie, Jackson & Allie Leach, Hannah & Olivia Knutzen and Garner & Jaylen Christensen. Two sisters, Dorothy George Eckert and Wynona Troops. Three brothers, Alvin Linda Leach, Emery Sandy Leach, Everett Leach and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cal is also survived by the many extra kids who called him ‘Papa’: The Knutzen families, The Colburn family, The Twede family, the Sims family, The Richards family and many students from the Allen and Bay View Elementary Schools.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clark and Annetta Mae; sisters, Vivian Allen, Regina Searles, Nadine Price and Ladine Fisher and a brother, Roger Leach.

Memorials in Cal’s memory are suggested to the Bay View School Library Fund, c/o Burlington Edison School District, 927 E. Fairhaven Ave. Burlington, WA 98233.

The Leach family wishes to thank Dr. Dale Abbott and his staff at Burlington Family Practice and Dr. Houshang Shetabi and his staff at the North Puget Cancer Care Center for their loving care and support.

A private family graveside service with Military Honors will be held at the Burlington Cemetery. A public Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Burlington Lutheran Church, 134 E. Victoria Avenue, with Pastor Mike Swain officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.