The Rev. Edward D. “Ted” Leche III
May he rest in peace
Fr. Edward “Ted” Leche, long-time Vicar of the San Juan Islands Mission and Priest and Pastor of St. David’s Church, died in the early hours of Sunday morning, November 10, at the Washington Veteran’s Home in Port Orchard. He was 93 years old.
Born in Longview, WA, Fr. Leche spent his entire life and ministry (except for his service in the Pacific with the US Navy during WW II) in the Diocese of Olympia. During the first dozen years following his ordination, he served nine churches from Vancouver, WA, north to Port Gamble. Assigned to the San Juan Islands Mission in 1967, he served Episcopal churches on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan, and individuals throughout the islands, until his retirement in 1988.
In the islands, he was frequently seen on the water in his mission boat, the Archangel. A local newspaper wrote, “The priest’s gray beard, long wavy hair and rimless glasses give him a distinguished appearance that’s undiminished by his CB handle of ‘Red Snapper’ and by the red-plaid hunting jacket over his black clerical vestments.” Fr. Ted said, “Once I got to the islands, I never wanted to leave.”
A requiem mass will be held at St. David’s, Friday Harbor on Saturday, November 23rd, at 12 noon, the Rt. Rev Gregory Rickel, Bishop of Olympia, presiding.
Burial will be at Valley Cemetery immediately after the service. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at the Brickworks Events Center in Friday Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, it was Fr. Leche’s wish that memorial donations be made to either of the following churches:
St. David’s Church
PO Box 2714
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Or
Church of the Transfiguration
PO Box 55
Darrington, WA 98241
Please note: Those traveling to the island by car for the service are advised to make a vehicle reservation with Washington State Ferries, as that is the only way to ensure that you will be able to board.
Please give thanks for Fr. Leche’s vocation and service, and keep his family in your prayers.