SSG Nicholas Harrison “Nick” Leach

28, Army National Guard

November 14 marks the passing of SSG Nicholas Harrison “Nick” Leach, 28, WV Army National Guard, of Parkersburg WV.  We honor and remember him, his family and his mother Ann Leach (deceased) of Vienna WV. Nicholas Leach departed this life on November 14, 2009.

Nick was born July 9, 1981, in Parkersburg, W.Va. He was a graduate of Parkersburg High School class of 1999 and was a student of the WVU College of Mechanical Engineering. He was an Army veteran having served in Iraq with the 150th Armored Division of the West Virginia Army National Guard. 

Nick was especially close to his cousins Allison and Logan Leach and his aunt, Lynn Leach. Allison Leach recently gave us some insight into who he was, and this is what she said:

“Nicholas was very passionate about his family, friends, and his faith.  Nick was a natural cut-up, anytime he was around. He thrived on making people laugh and always had a new joke to tell at any family gathering. He always made the holidays special by making everyone laugh and everyone enjoyed his presence.  His laughter was infectious.”  

“Nick was an Eagle scout, loved the outdoors.  He was a true survivalist and always prepared, but music was his true passion.  He was a natural. It was as if he was born to play guitar.  He could listen to any song, and minutes later, he could play it.  A month into guitar lessons, he had Stairway To Heaven memorized. Classic rock was his favorite.  He could sing and play any song asked of him.  His guitar was his favorite possession.” 

“He was also a huge mountaineer fan.  Living in Morgantown and being a student, he got to enjoy the games and living student life.  Nicholas was a student for 8 years.  It took him extra time to complete his degree due to deployment and coming home with cancer.”

“The school issued his degree to the family a few months after his passing. He had finished but had not received his diploma.  WVU held a bell ringing service for him and issued his degree to the family. He joined the service for an education and everything else that came with it. His education was very important to him. He was excited to become an engineer.  He had the mindset of one.” “Nick was the light of our family, a wonderful person to be around.  And always made light of every situation.”

Nicholas’s mother Ann Leach posted this poem on his tribute page a few years before her passing:

“At the rising of the sun and it’s going down 

We remember them……

At the beginning of the year and when it ends,

We remember them……

As long as we live, they too will live.

They are part of us,

We remember them”

Let us always remember SSG Leach, his family, his mother and always…

Say His Name 

May he rest in the arms of his beloved mother...

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