Flint Citadel Mourns Player

Gary W. Leitch, 58, passed away on October 16, 2003. A 40-year member of the Flint Citadel Band of the Salvation Army, he is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Steven Leitch and Tammy Evans; his parents, William and Irene Leitch; his siblings, Ken Leitch and Linda Alford; his grandchildren, Courtney Evans, Elizabeth Evans, and Gage Leitch; and many nieces and nephews.

A fifth-generation Salvationist, Gary was born on September 29, 1945 in Brantford, Ontario. The family moved to Flint, Michigan in 1950. Gary began working at Schmald Tool and Die in 1962, a job he held until his retirement. He was called into the United States Army in 1970, serving at posts in Germany and the USA. In addition to his activities at the Flnt Citadel, where he played Eb bass in the band, and was at various times as a Sunday School teacher, Corps Cadet Counselor, and Corps Treasurer, Gary was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as an assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster for 20 years.

Gary's faith enabled him to use his terminal cancer as a positive witness. His only wish for his funeral service was that the band would play. They did, contributing such items as "Near to the Heart of God", "Holy, Holy, Holy", "Jesus Loves Me", "The Lord's Prayer", and "Promoted to Glory".

Source:
Flint Citadel Band

Posted by Webmaster 09 November 2003 09:08:10