John Barry Leitch

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John, a remarkable man who touched the lives of many. As a husband and a father, he exemplified love, wisdom, and unwavering support—a beacon of strength for our family.

Born on 2 September 1948, John embraced life with open arms. His laughter echoed through family gatherings, and he taught us that joy could be found in the simplest moments—a shared meal, a trip to the lake, or a warm hug.  His love was a shelter in life’s storms, and he guided us with patience and kindness.

John was more than a parent; he was a mentor.  His wisdom flowed like a steady river, shaping our character and encouraging us to pursue our dreams. His stories were woven with life lessons, and he reminded us that resilience and compassion were the true measures of success.

As a provider, John worked tirelessly to ensure that our family had what they needed. His hands were calloused from hard work, yet they cradled us gently. His sacrifices were silent but profound—a testament to his unwavering commitment to those he loved.

John’s eyes sparkled when he talked about fishing.  Time fishing with Dad was more than about catching fish, they were moments of teaching and connections.  He spent many hours on Smith Mountain Lake catching fish and swapping stories with his friend Gary Wilson. 

As we bid farewell to John, we hold onto the memories—the bedtime stories, the shared laughter, the tug on the fishing line, and the warmth of his embrace. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love he gave so freely.

A special thank you to Mony Marshall, John’s in home care provider for the past 5 years.  Life would have been much more difficult without Mony’s strong support and care. 

John was survived by his spouse, Judy Leitch of Vinton, Virginia.  Her sisters Carol Simmons of Moneta, Virginia and Sandy Carr (Richard) of Vinton, Virginia.  His son, Robert Leitch (Deborah Yanko) of St. Augustine Florida and his grandchildren Jonathan and Thomas Leitch of Charleston, South Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice Care.

Services will be held graveside at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, VA on Thursday, 1 August, at 11:00 am.  Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating a life well-lived.

We miss you John!