Porter I. Leach died peacefully in his home on November 7, just two months short of entering his 100th year. This quiet man of principle, dignity and grace changed the lives of many. Porter was a dedicated high school football and baseball coach, Santa Monica High School Dean of Boys and Vice-Principal. He was a devoted friend and family man. His gentle, unwavering character impressed all who knew him. He was the type of man that, in his honor you would name a child.
Born in Laredo, Missouri, he moved with his family to California during the Great Depression, attended UCLA and obtained his graduate degree from USC. He married the love of his life Eleanor Benham and inspired all as he took care of her for 37 years after her devastating stroke at age 54.
Porter is survived by his three daughters Jacqueline, Erica and Margaret; his seven grandchildren and spouses; and by his three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Martha (Roy) Doty and Margie (Glen) Williams and brother Howard (Helen), in addition to Porter’s nieces and nephews and their children.
Porter’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS organization.
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