Robert "Bob" Henry Leach

Robert “Bob” Henry Leach, age 86, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 3, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born in Billings, Montana, on September 26, 1938, Bob was the son of Chester and Theresa (Arrington) Leach. Raised in the close-knit community of Fairfield, Montana, he graduated from Fairfield High School in 1956. Following his passion for learning and his dedication to teaching, he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

On June 15, 1963, Bob married the love of his life, Janis Blessum, in Rugby, North Dakota. Together, they lived in Larimore for three years, where Bob worked as a Physical Education teacher and a coach for basketball and track. After earning his master’s degree at The University of North Dakota, they moved to Grand Forks, where he became an art and media teacher and served as the golf coach at Grand Forks Central High School, touching countless lives. Bob’s warmth, wisdom, and encouragement inspired both students and colleagues until his retirement in 1993.

Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found The Golf Center, a venture that enabled him to share his love for the game. Passing the business on to his son, Brian, Bob’s legacy in the golfing community lives on. A dedicated athlete and adventurer, he traveled far and wide to enjoy new golf courses and treasured his time playing at St. Andrews in Scotland. In his lifetime, he was proud to achieve the rare feat of scoring seven holes-in-one.

More than any personal accomplishment, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His kindness and humor brightened their lives and created memories that will be treasured forever.

 Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jan, and their children, each of whom carries forward his spirit and legacy. His eldest son, Brian, and his wife, Mary, have three children: Adam, married to Allison with son Miller; Eric; and Claire. His second son, Mike, and his wife, Monica, have four children: Andrew, married to Hannah; Patrick; Ellen; and Nicholas. Bob’s daughter, Erin Ray, and her husband, Chad, have four children: Danny; Taylor Hansen, married to Rich; Sydnee Ackerman, married to Zach with daughters Lylah and Louise; and Mason. His youngest daughter, Meghan Molstad, and her husband, Drew, have two children: Lily and Jacob. Also survived by brother, Douglas Leach and wife Donis; sister-in-law, Donna Leach; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Theresa, and his brothers, Chet and George.

 A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. A memorial service to honor Bob’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m