In Memoriam: Richard Leach
The Rev. Richard D. Leach, Th.D., a beloved Lakeland faculty member for more than three decades, died on October 2. He was 90.
Leach came to Lakeland in 1968 and was named Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion when he retired in 1999.
A well-regarded scholar of the humanities, Leach was principal architect of Lakeland’s then-innovative and acclaimed programs in the humanities and general studies as well as the honors program. He was named Lakeland’s fourth winner of the Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award in 1994.
During his tenure at Lakeland, Leach served as chair of the general studies division and a member of the academic council in addition to his classroom teaching. He also served leadership roles with the United Methodist Church.
A published scholar, he was a frequent speaker in regional churches and schools on topics of comparative religion and cults.
In a profile published in 1987 in the Lakeland Mirror student newspaper, Leach said he enjoyed teaching at Lakeland because he felt constantly challenged.
“Students keep asking new questions and keep wanting to learn about new things,” he said. “They make stagnation impossible. I constantly have to read new books, do research, investigate new concepts and find answers to their questions.”
Prior to coming to Lakeland, Leach served as pastor in Methodist churches of the Gregory Larger parish in Gregory, S.D., as well as associate pastor at First Methodist Church in Rapid City, S.D.
A longtime financial supporter of the institution, in 1993 Leach created the Majorie and Richard D. Leach Professorship in Christian Theology and Ethics, which honored his late first wife, Marjorie. The late David Lauer was the first faculty member to hold the title.
A life celebration will be held at Village Bible Church in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Click here to read a complete obituary.
