Captain John Leach
Sadly I have heard that Captain John Leach passed away on 20th December 2019. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time. He was a commander of long standing, having joined Caledonian, he started with service on the 707, before following on to the DC10 and B747.
John joined Caledonian Airways on 2nd March 1964 in the role of First Officer, just over four years later he achieved Aircraft Command on 12th March 1968 and flew Boeing 707's for Caledonian. As the airline grew they would take over British United Airways, which led to the formation of British Caledonian.
John's seniority progressed and as the new wide-body DC10 fleet started to arrive John transferred to the DC10 fleet, before later transferring to the Boeing 747 fleet in 1982 as an aircraft commander. By 1987 John had risen to near the very top, he was No.4 in the Pilot's Seniority List, out of some 400 fellow pilots.
John is remembered as a very competent, well liked and respected aviator and will be missed by all who knew and flew with him.
Goff Bowles - Chief Pilot : British Caledonian Airways
John Kelly - Boeing 747 Fleet Manager : British Caledonian Airways
Service details
John's service was held on Tuesday 7th January 2020 at Chichester Crematorium
Afterwards there was a gathering to remember John at the Crown & Anchor in nearby Dell Quay
The family kindly extended an invitation for any of John's friends and former colleagues to join them.
John Remembered
From Caron Phillips : RIP Captain, my condolences to his family and friends
From Sally Simmonds : Very sad to hear.
From Pat Cresswell : So sad to hear.
From Susie Douglas-Smith
My condolence to his nearest and dearest. Always say to hear about a member of the BCAL family passing away
From Graham Flowerdew
I remember flying with him many times. An absolute gentlemen. RIP Captain. Condolences to your nearest and dearest
From Liz Rogers : RIP Captain. Love, thoughts and prayers to your family
From Tony Cutting : RIP Capt. John our thoughts are with your family
From Jim Williams : RIP CAPT JOHN.
From Marjorie Anglesea Jackson : So very sorry, RIP Captain Leach. Condolences to family and friends.
From Jenny Thomas
How very sad to hear this. Capt. Leach was a joy to fly with, kind and a true gentleman. Condolences to his family. Fly high John.
From Malcolm Trussler : My condolences to the family. John was a friend and colleague for many years
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at BCalatribute@outlook.com
Condolences have also been extended by:
Dave Thaxter, Mike Keely, Dave Surry, Riaz Butt, Tina Harvey, Graham Lambert, Trevor Tommy Gunn, Jackie Hebert, Lesley Peacock, Michèle Laneres, Michael Selmes, Julie Nuttall, Stella Bassett, Ana Eva Heuberger, Peter Durran, Linda Arnold, Ian Jones, Christine Jegu, Joanna Dyckes, Brian Buchanan Aitchison, Valerie Edwards, Pat Cresswell, Trevor Warburton, Kris Massie, Vanessa Ridgway van Perlstein,
Close this page
.
