Walter Leitch

Walter Thomas Leitch was born on May 21, 1945, in San Diego, California and passed from this life on July 19, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and esteemed Veteran. He led a life marked by service, dedication, and love.

Walter graduated from the University of Idaho in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Shortly after, on June 28, 1968, he married Thelma Thompson, the love of his life. Their deep devotion to each other was evident to all who knew them. Together, they raised a family while traveling the world due to Walter’s distinguished military career.

Following his graduation and marriage, Walter attended flight school and then served two tours in Vietnam, flying the O-2 aircraft. Upon his return from Vietnam, Walter was stationed at Luke Air Force Base where he was a flight instructor flying the T-38 aircraft. He was later stationed at Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany, where he flew the F-15 for three years. Subsequent assignments took him to Florida, where he piloted the OV-10 and trained pilots to become instructor pilots. Walter's career then took him to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, where he served as the Base Civil Engineer for three years before moving to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of distinguished service.

After transitioning to civilian life, Walter worked as a civil engineer with Knight, in Chicago and later with Keller and Gannon in San Francisco. During his tenure with Keller and Gannon, he played an integral role in designing and constructing Sea Launch in Long Beach, California.

In 2002, Walter and Thelma retired to Idaho to be closer to their family. Walter is survived by his three children: Kelly Leitch (Trisha), Shad Leitch (Jeannine), and Olan Leitch (Kristy). He was a proud grandfather to Alex, Kaitlyn, Quinn, Daniel, and Adrienne. He is also survived by his brothers William, Skip, and James, and his sister Nancy, all of Buhl, Idaho. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lois Leitch and his wife, Thelma Leitch.

Walter's love for Thelma was unparalleled; she was his whole world. He was deeply devoted to God, his family, and his country. Walter enjoyed woodworking and creating things in his shop, spending time with his family, and he had a keen interest in history.

Walter's legacy of love, dedication, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.