Douglas Leach

Brett Leach, 67, of Roswell, NM passed away Friday, April 3, 2015. He was born November 21, 1947 in Portales, NM to Ernest J. and Veda Mae Leach who preceded him in death.

He graduated from Portales High School in 1965 and from Eastern New Mexico University earning both bachelor and master's degrees in 1969 and 1971, respectively. He did post graduate studies in criminal justice. He lived in Roswell with his wife Andi.

Brett began his adult career as a probation and parole officer in Lea and Chaves counties with the NM Department of Corrections. His interest in criminal investigation led him to develop and teach at the Law Enforcement Education Department for the Clovis Campus of ENMU.
In 1978, he made a carrier change and went to work as a financial advisor with EF Hutton and Company in Roswell, NM. He had some tenure with Merrill Lynch and Dean Witter and was still serving his clients until his death with the firm Southwest Securities.

Brett started the Invitational Golf Tournament and directed it for 32 years. He served on the board and for several years as president of Rotary's Desert Sun Classic golf tournament. He is a past member of Kiwanis and a founding member and past president of Roswell's Sunrise Rotary Club, where he was recognized by his club as a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the board of directors for CASA for 15 years, with 3 years as president. He was appointed by the Governor in 2011 to serve a 6 year term on the Board of Regents for Eastern N. M. University where he also served as President.

Brett had many special interests. He was a certified golf club builder, a noted pit master, and a certified appraiser of Firearms. He prided himself in his ability to disassemble, repair, and reassemble most any firearm. If a need came along for a skill set he didn't have, he would contact the manufacturer and get instruction. Several videos were made using his technique and his firearms.
Brett loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and considered September 1st a national holiday when dove season opened. He was known to camp with his hunting buddies in some of the nicest condos in New Mexico and Colorado. Golf was his real passion and for many years his talent led him to win several golf tournaments including the club championship at is home courses in both Portales and Roswell. As much as he loved golf, he loved the golf group even more. After he was no longer able to play, Brett would often get a cart and follow his friends around the course and then join them on the patio for post game activities. He loved Notre Dame and especially Notre Dame Football. He was a formidable foe at cards, especially bridge, spades, gin and poker. He cherished his trips to Las Vegas, the numerous golf trips, and an occasional trip to the horse races.

Brett is survived by his wife Andi Smith of Roswell, NM, his daughter, Kristen Harrington and husband Peter of Bailey, CO, daughter, Sara Wagner and husband Noel of Fort Worth, TX, grandsons Will Harrington and Cooper Wagner, his sister Tonya Williams of Albuquerque, NM, his adopted brother, Charlie Craig and wife Beverly Kay of Lubbock, TX, his niece Stacey Williams Abdalla and husband Chris of Albuquerque, NM, and, great-nephew Aidan Abdalla.

Brett fought a courageous battle against ALS and never lost his incredible spirit and sense of humor.

Respecting Brett's wishes, there will be a wake in his honor on Saturday, April 18th at 6:00 p. m. at the Roswell Country Club.

Memorial contributions can be made to CASA, PO Box 2131, Roswell, NM 88202-2131.

Service

Memorial Service

Roswell Country Club
2601 N. Urton Road
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, April 18, 2015
6:00 pm

Cemetery

Ballard Crematory
910 S. Main Street
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

PO Box 2131
Roswell, NM  88202