A graveside service for Gary Michael Leach, 75, who passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 8, 2020, will be held Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 12 p.m., at Union Common Cemetery, Union, Maine. The Reverend Robert Vaillancourt will officiate.

To share a memory or story with Gary’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.

A Celebration of the Life of Gary M. Leach, will be held Saturday, January 16, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, 336 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To see a full obituary or leave a condolence, please visit Gary’s Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

UNION — Gary Michael Leach, 75, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 8, 2020.

Gary was born May 2, 1945 in Union to Allen and Hope Leach. He was raised in Union and graduated from Union High School in 1963. 

Following his graduation, Gary joined the Navy. He did two tours of duty in Vietnam and was so proud of the time that he served.  He was honorably discharged after four years of service. 

Gary went into, what ended up being his lifelong career of truck driving, which he did for 40 plus years. He drove for many companies throughout his career including RC Moore, St. Johnsbury, and Dragon Cement. 

After retiring he spent many hours on his motorcycle with Jackie, his longtime love of 20 years.  They took two amazing trips to Hawaii, and while there he got to see the Pearl Harbor Memorial, which meant the world to him. Through the American Legion Riders, they traveled to the four corners of Maine, an event which he enjoyed very much. He partook in many other events during his time riding his bike and loved every minute. 

He was a past commander and life member of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion, Post 1 in Rockland, director of the Legion Riders, Post 1, a Life member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks #1008, a Life member of the VFW #8835, a member of CVMA motorcycle group 17-3, a member of the Pony Express, 33^rd Degree Mason, Kora Temple member, member of the Scottish Rite and a long-time volunteer firefighter for the Town of Union. 

Gary was an avid snowmobiler. When his two girls, Kelly and Holly, were young he bought them a snowmobile so they could go riding together.  They enjoyed many hours riding the trails of Union with him.  He took many snowmobiling and hunting trips in Jackman with his friends at the SLIMHAGGLE camp. 

Predeceased by his parents and his brother Mark, Gary is survived by his long-time love, Jacqueline Raye of Union; two daughters, Kelly Flint and her husband Charles, of Owls Head,  Holly Harris and her husband Jedediah of Waldoboro; Jacqueline’s children,  Douglas Raye of Warren and Melissa Harjula of Thomaston; his siblings, Sally Kirk and husband Bill, Dexter Leach and his wife, Faith and Donna M. Burns; his Grandchildren, Rayanne Tyler and her husband Aaron of Tampa, FL, Cameron Littlehale of Waldoboro, Owen Littlehale of Owls Head and Emily Harris of Waldoboro.

He leaves behind many close friends that were like family to him. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, or a Veterans charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.   To share a memory or story with Gary’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.   Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.