Michael Alan Leach, "Mike," born October 21, 1957, in Barberton, Ohio, the son of Raymond W. Leach and Vita J. (Pace-Leach) Moran, has left his earthly home. Mike was many things in life but most of all he was loved unconditionally and was a cherished member of our family.

Mike enjoyed all things nature and outdoors, which led him to jobs in landscaping around the Dover/New Phila area as an adult. An avid angler, he could often be found sitting along the river patiently waiting for his next big catch. Mike was also a self-taught guitar player and artist, a creative and talented soul who enjoyed quietly strumming along on his six-string and sketching his ideas on paper. It was during these times he was most at peace.

Mike lived life the best way he knew how. Although the path he walked was not easy, he pressed on, aiming to be better each day. His true faith in God was strong, he never wavered from that. Ultimately taken from us too soon, our love for him will endure.

Mike is deeply missed by his three sisters, RaeAnn (John) Calai, Melissa (Daniel) Slates, and Denise (Kelly) Santille, his nephews Jeremy, Hunter and Samuel, nieces Haley and Emma, Uncle Joseph Pace Jr and special cousin and friend Tom Pace. We take comfort in knowing he was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved mother and father, grandparents Clifton M. and Dorothy G. Leach, Joseph Pace Sr and Dorothy E. Pace, nephew Joshua and Aunt Patricia Pace.

Waltner-Simchak Funeral Home of Canton, Ohio is assisting the family with a private service.

In honor of Mike's memory, donations can be made to The DNA Doe Project, dnadoeproject.org, or The Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County, fothtusc.org.

Mike's family would like to thank the volunteers of the DNA Doe Project, Sgt. Bryan Johnson, Inspector William Jones, Sheriff Maier and the Stark County Sheriff's Department, and Stark County Coroner's Office for their tireless efforts in bringing Mike home.

The battle is over, lay down and rest dear brother.

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

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