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LEACH -- F. Clayton Leach, 99, beloved father and grandfather and renowned musician, dies 60 days before his 100th birthday. He was born on March 2, 1904 and passed away on January 8, 2004. Clayton was preceded in death by his wife, Olive M. Leach. He is survived by his sister, Helen Williams of Cleveland, OH; daughters, Jane Frankenfield of Albuquerque, Elizabeth Martini and husband, Ralph of Mackay, Idaho; sons, Fred Leach and wife, Bobbie of Albuquerque, and Leslie Leach of Farmington, NM; 11 grandchildren; and 23 2/ 3 great grandchildren. "Clayt" is best known locally where he played nightly at Shakey's Pizza Parlor for seven years in the 1960's. He played banjo, trumpet, and sousaphone for over 85 years. He played 30 years in the Albuquerque area with the City Band, and the Ballut Abyad Shrine Concert and Jazz Bands. He performed on the east coast and here in the southwest with many concert, jazz and dance bands. He was a Past Master of Satucket Lodge AF & AM in East Bridgewater, MA. He was a member of the choir at La Mesa Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Jazz Society, and the York Rite Masonic Order. Clayt retired from APS as a maintenance engineer at Manzano High School. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2004, at 1:00 p.m. at La Mesa Presbyterian Church, 7401 Copper NE. A reception will follow in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriner's Burn Center through Ballut Abyad Shrine and in Clayton's name. The mailing address is: Ballut Abyad Center, 6600 Zuni Rd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
        Published on: Wed January 14, 2004