We Remember

Leach, Donald
March 11, 1936 — February 24, 2025
On Monday, February 24, 2025, Donald Leach passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on March 11, 1936, Don was a devoted family man, successful entrepreneur, and a beloved friend to many. Throughout his life, Don was known for his strong work ethic, dedication to his family, and unwavering kindness. He enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures and experiences with those he loved.
Don was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Geraldeen (née White), in 1999, as well as his parents, Arnold and Jean Leach. He is survived by his four children: Ken (Brenda), Rob (Brooke), Brent, and Wendy (Don) Williams. Don took great pride in his family, leaving behind 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sharon (Nick) Sidorak; brother-in-law, Jim (Sandy) White; ex-daughters-in-law, Carole Leach, Bonnie Leach, and Joanna Leach; and several nieces and nephews.
Don began his career early, leaving school to work at SaskPower in the Gas Maintenance Division in Regina. It was there that he met the love of his life, Geraldeen White. Shortly after their marriage, Don’s job led them to Saskatoon, where they welcomed their first son. The family later moved to Moose Jaw, Melfort, and Regina, welcoming three more children along the way.
In 1965, Don took a bold step by leaving his secure position at SaskPower to co-found Custom Truck Sales Ltd. with his father, Arnold, and friend, Andy Moir. Despite having no previous sales experience, Don dedicated himself to studying sales courses and became a successful salesman, helping establish the company as a key player in Saskatchewan’s transportation industry. In 1986, he played a vital role in the establishment of Custom Truck Sales (Man.) Ltd. in Winnipeg alongside his sons and Del Capnerhurst. He later partnered with Rick Riel and Jim Clark, who were instrumental in the success of Custom Truck.
In their later years, Don and Gerry enjoyed splitting their time between their homes in Calgary and Gold Canyon, Arizona. Don had many passions, including his devotion to his family, his love for cars, horses, and salmon fishing on the West Coast. One of his proudest achievements was maintaining his sobriety since January 1962, which he credited to the support of Alcoholics Anonymous. He would later go on to sponsor numerous AA members and immensely enjoyed the annual golf trips to Waskesiu with his many AA friends.
Don spent his last few years living in Kelowna surrounded by his new friends at the Cove and The Heritage.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK at a time yet to be determined. A Private Family Interment will take place in the spring.
Don will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leach Family. We knew Don for years. We spent time fishing and enjoying Arizona with him. He will certainly be missed.
Deepest condolences to the entire Leach family. I met Mr. Leach later in my career when I joined CTS and thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity I had to spend time with and learn from him. He was very generous in sharing his wisdom if you took the time to enquire of him. Working closely with Brent and Ken and meeting the extended family I quickly realized how special Don Leach was and how amazing his wife Gerry, who unfortunately I never got to meet, must have been. The family is simply the most gracious group of people I have had the pleasure of meeting. The organization they created along with Rick and Jim was amazingly successful and it was, in my opinion a result of the culture that had been nurtured throughout the years by the Leach family leadership. At CTS you viewed it as getting to go to work not I have got to go to work. Thank you Don Leach for founding and developing such an amazing company, rest in peace.
Dear Family,
I was saddened to read about Don’s passing.
Don was my neighbour at the Cove Lakeside Resort. During Covid, I delivered his mail, and he was always so thankful. Whenever I was out washing my windows, Don would sit on his balcony and watch. He would always make me chuckle with his comment that I should have a man in my life taking care of that job. I always enjoyed chit chatting with him when he was out walking his dog. I remember our last conversation before he moved out of the resort, “This getting old isn’t for sissies.”
Don had a heart filled with a kindness and a welcoming personality. He always had the time to visit with everyone.
May the lessons he taught you resonate in your memory, and you hear his laughter on the days you need it most.
Sincerely,
Julie Fiorentino
We just called to wish him Happy Birthday! We loved Don so much! We are the ones with the horses in Az. He will be missed! He was awesome! Hope he didn’t have to suffer! Our deepest condolences for your family!❤️
I’m so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I worked at the front desk of the Cove for many years, and he and I became fast friends from the day I started. He was always so kind and funny, and had so many stories to share. Every time he took Molly out he made it a point to come over and say hello – sometimes he would stay and chat for hours if the Resort was quiet. I’ve missed him a lot since I left that job, and I wish we had stayed in touch.
What a joy it was to have known Don Leach. Sending lots of love and light to the family.
I had the good fortune of meeting and working with Don back in 1984 when I became the Manager of the RBC Branch at Broad & 7th in Regina. Don was a first class businessman and a better person. He had a genuine interest in knowing about who he was dealing with, their families and what made them tic. He never missed a chance to ask how everyone was doing. He was a great friend, I learned a lot from him. He will be missed by all who knew him. Godspeed my friend, rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Leach family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I met Don in the summer of 2020 when I started to help him keep his place up at The Cove. I cleaned for Don until he moved in to The Heritage. He was a very special person to me. Don cheered my husband and I on as we became pregnant and had a little baby girl 6 months ago. He said that children are the best and family is the most important thing. He shared story after story about you guys and would show me pictures on his rotating picture frame all the time. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to know Don.
The deepest of heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Leach family. I am so thankful that our lives crossed nearly 55 years ago and the serenity, blessings, business and fellowship that accompanied that journey. Thank you Don and Gerry for a life well lived and loved and encouraging this guy to do the same. Yo da best!!
Our sincere condolences to the whole Leach families. Arnold Leach, Don’s dad a very special man whose kindness I will always remember. I met Don at that time and found him so kind as well. Ken and Brenda were special people to me as well. May the God of all comfort be yours. John and Thelma Teichroeb