Michael Dale Leech

Michael Dale Leech, age 70, of Bellingham passed away peacefully Thursday, November 20, 2025 surrounded by his family after a sudden cancer diagnosis.

Michael was born on April 23rd, 1955, and he would become the second of five children. Growing up with his family, young Michael spent countless hours between beaches near his home and Lummi Island where a lifetime love of the ocean, its agates, and other ocean treasures was ignited. Considered a gifted student, Michael attended Birchwood and Marietta Elementary Schools, Shuksan Middle School and later Bellingham High School, until his senior year, when he finished his GED at Whatcom Community College. He moved out of his family home at an early a

ge, but remained diligent in providing his family with KFC chicken by bicycle at the end of his shifts. At age 16 he was proud to buy his first car, a Corvette, and the first of many sports cars.

After high school Michael took on work in manufacturing, and commercial fishing. He built hydroplane boats for the Uniflite boat factory until the day it burnt to the ground in 1980, and then following this loss Michael doubled down on Alaskan commercial fishing. He took on both Salmon and Crabbing seasons in preparation for starting his family in 1982. Once a father, he phased out of commercial fishing to focus on carpentry and family. A man gifted with his hands, Michael always enjoyed models, stained glass, and cabinet making.

Michael found joy in his 3 children and especially his 10 grandchildren. He enjoyed sports cars, motorcycles, and restoring classic trucks. His weekdays this past decade were spent at his business The Tire Barn with his customers and work family, delivering an affordable solution to people during trying times, and often giving discounts to the deserving. A typical Sunday for Michael was spent at brunch with friends and family, followed by treat deliveries and visits to all of his grandchildren.

Michael is survived by his son Jeremy (Jessica) Leech, daughter Hannah (Caleb) Atkins, daughter Brooke (Reza) Afshari, grandchildren Lily, Luca, Landon, Ira, Nora, Jude, Olive, Shahab, Nazanin and Navid. His sisters Patti (Curt) Brisky, Jeri (Steve) Robinson.

He was preceded in death by his father Jerry Leech, his mother Darlene (Olson) Amsler, his sister Jody (Leech) Martin, his brother Tony Leech, his brother in law Jim Owens and his niece Kailee Owens.