David Alan Leach

David Alan Leach

April 25, 1955 - August 1, 2025

On the morning of August 1, 2025 David “Dave” A. Leach passed away as one of the victims of the shooting at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana. He was 70 years old. 

Dave was born in Whitefish, MT. on April 25, 1955. He was the third son and fourth child of Donald and Helen Leach. Dave attended schools in Whitefish and Columbia Falls, MT.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America.  He was active in sports including; baseball, football, track and basketball. He was coached in Little League by his father Don Leach. Dave’s passion for basketball was developed under High School coach Ralph Johnson.  He was a 3-year letterman at Colombia Falls High School for basketball and also lettered in football and track. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1973. 

Dave attended Utah Technical College in Provo, Utah. He received a certificate in Heating and Air Conditioning. He then worked in the HVAC field for several years. Later working for Caterpillar Inc. in Denver, Colorado. 

Dave spent most of his life in various cities in Montana; including Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse, Coram, Billings and Martin City.  He developed a strong love for the people and area of Anaconda where he lived at the end of his life. 

Dave was preceded in death by his younger brother, Rodney Leach; his parents Don and Helen Leach. Dave is survived by his 1/2 sister Linda (Bill) Parker of Tennessee and siblings; Calvin (Shawna) Leach of Utah, Cary (Mary) Leach of Utah and Sharon (Lynn) Malmstrom of Oregon. He is also survived by numerous cousins and his many friends. 

Dave will be interred at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda, Montana. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date. 

Our family is grateful to Anaconda Deer Lodge County Deputy Coroner, Katlyn O’Brien; Victim Witness Advocate Lacie Stone and Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home & Crematorium for the care and assistance they have provided for Dave and our family.  We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, the community of Anaconda and all the state and federal law enforcement agencies involved in resolving the death of our brother Dave and the other victims of this crime. 

Any condolences or communication may be directed to the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home at their email: info@anacondafuneralhome.com.